In July 2006, Christian, Muslim and Jewish faith leaders from throughout the Chicago area joined together and demanded an immediate ceasefire in the Israeli/Lebanon hostilities. Seventy-three religiously identified leaders and individuals endorsed a letter urging President Bush to take immediate action to end hostilities.

The Chicago Faith Coalition on Middle East Policy has a steering committee of about a dozen people who create the organization's initiatives. We come from diverse Chicago area religiously-identified communities. We are concerned about U.S. Middle East policies and are particularly committed to fostering justice, security, peace and reconciliation among Israelis and Palestinians.

In the spirit of interfaith understanding and cooperation and with deep dedication to human rights and international law, we advocate for a fair and balanced U.S foreign policy that promotes the well-being, security and economic prosperity of Israelis and Palestinians.

We present our perspectives on U.S. Middle East policies to government officials and elected representatives, faith communities and the media. We collaborate with other individuals and organizations who share a committment to the outcomes we seek. Our activities primarily involve advocacy with government leaders who shape Middle East policies. In 2009, over 1,000 residents of Congressional District 9 endorsed a petition that was presented to Representative Schakowsky. Details of this project and its continuing activities can be found here.

Mosaic: World News From the Middle East

The Right Rev. Munib A. Younan, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in Jordan and the Holy Land