Peace Promoters

The United States should provide tireless leadership to ensure a two-state solution in the Middle East, said two leaders of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in a letter to President Obama on Jan. 9. “We affirm your support of the two-state solution, promise our support for strong U.S. leadership for peace, and urge you even to consider appointing a high profile envoy in hopes that as in the past this might advance peace and justice in the region,” wrote Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S.C.C.B., and Bishop Richard Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace. The bishops acknowledged that actions by both Israelis and Palestinians, including rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli occupation and settlement policies, have undermined peace in the region, threatening the two-state solution of “a secure and recognized Israel living in peace alongside a viable and independent Palestinian state.” The bishops also noted the conflict’s heavy toll on the ancient Christian community in the Holy Land.