Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

While every moment we are given is a good moment to pray, this is a moment of particular consequence. 

As I write, President Obama is meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, King Abdullah II of Jordan and President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt at the White House.  They are engaged in serious peace discussions which are as important as any in our lifetime.  Attached is a letter, signed by UCC General Minister and President Geoffrey Black and other American Christian faith leaders.  Please join me in lifting up these political leaders – and the millions of people they represent – in the hope that a just and lasting peace might become the new normal in Israel-Palestine.

Another interfaith matter has to do with the ongoing public discussion occasioned by the proposal to build an Islamic Center near the ground zero site in NYC.  Numerous Boston-based interfaith leaders have been collaborating on a statement, a press release and a press conference at the State House on Tuesday, September 7 at 1:00 pm.  Please consider joining me in signing the pledge that is found here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/tobigotrynosanction/

The Rev. Dr. Jim Antal
Minister and President