Tveit encourages Christians to pray for the peace of Jerusalem
The Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, reflected on the theme "Peace on Earth" at the closing service of prayer at this year's United Nations Advocacy Week, held in Geneva from 27 September to 1 October.
Tveit, who visited the West Bank and Jerusalem in late August and early September, recalled the message of the angels near Bethlehem when Jesus was born: glory to God and peace on earth. He continued, "Bethlehem has become a prison, and the fields of the shepherds are fields full of injustice as more and more of them are annexed through the power of occupation. They feed the sheep no more."
He called for progress in the Middle East peace talks: "Those who can promote positive movement in this process know what they have to do. They need our encouragement and prayers."
