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Middle East
Committee
Committee History: 1978 – 2003
Statement of Purpose: "The Westmoreland Middle East Committee offers a compatible, non-partisan forum for those interested in
achieving peace and justice in the
Middle East. Its goals are to share information and concerns, to provide educational and outreach
programs, and to network with
other churches and Middle East-oriented organizations."
The Middle East committee was
established by Westmoreland’s executive committee
in 1978 “to organize the study of issues involved in realizing peace in the Middle East,” calling on the many members
with first-hand experience in the Middle
East. Since its establishment the committee has planned, implemented, and participated in activities
for the congregation, other UCC entities,
and ecumenical groups that focus on Middle East issues.
Throughout its history, the committee
has received support from UCC personnel,
Westmoreland’s ministerial staff, and leaders from within the congregation.
Congregation Activities
The committee has sought to inform
and involve the congregation by sponsoring
forums, slide presentations and videos, bulletin board displays, book reviews, and letter writing sessions related to
Middle East issues. Many of these
gatherings have included Middle Eastern food.
The congregation has become directly
involved in the Middle East in various ways. In 1985 thirty members participated in a Biblelands
Tour (led by Gordon Forbes and Duane
Rames). Before the tour Mr. Rames taught a seven-week course on Islam. In 1992 the church began a
partnership relationship with Christ
Episcopal Church in Nazareth, Israel. For many years, Westmoreland’s Board of Community Action has
contributed to Christ Episcopal’s school
and to American Near East Refugee Aid on behalf of the congregation.
Activities Involving Other UCC
Entities
Since its inception the committee has
brought Middle East issues to the attention
of the wider church. The first of many resolutions was submitted to the Central Atlantic Conference for conference-wide
attention in 1978. In 1982 the
committee’s statement on anti-Semitism was adopted by the Potomac Association, the Central Atlantic Conference and Synod
XIV for the UCC Executive Committee.
Activities With Ecumenical Groups
That Focus on Middle East Issues
The committee led Westmoreland’s
involvement in the first conference of Churches
for Middle East Peace held in March 1986 and hosted representatives of Friedens Church (Mt. Crawford, VA)
so that they could attend the conference.
In 1987 the committee wound up a national effort called Yellow Ribbon (to release the American hostages
in Lebanon) with a presentation to a
sanctuary-filled audience by Sis and Jerry (a hostage) Levin. In 1988 Westmorelanders attended the organizing
program of the Interreligious Committee
for Peace in the Middle East. In 1991 members helped establish Partners for Peace, now noted for its
annual sponsorship of a Muslim, a
Christian, and a Jewish woman from Jerusalem on a national US speaking tour. Most recently, Westmoreland has
joined Maryland and DC churches in a
monthly Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Middle East. Participating churches host these vigils on the 22nd
of each month.
Support From UCC and Westmoreland
Leadership
The committee has received strong
support from United Church of Christ staff.
Several missionaries have shared their experiences with the congregation. Dale Bishop, the Middle East Director
for the United Church Board for World
Ministries, has been particularly supportive. Rev. Bishop has preached and led an after-church forum.
Congregational support has come from
lay leadership and ministerial staff.
Lay Leaders
Alton Frye
Will Irwin
Frances Stickles
Duane Rames
Jamie Kirkpatrick
George Bogardus
Sally Fox
Jean Lutterman
Ministerial Staff
Gordon Forbes
Anni Stedman
Melinda Reed
Rich Smith
Last updated Wednesday, February 20, 2008.
1
Westmoreland Circle
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-7766
Email the church office: churchinfo@westmorelanducc.org
www.westmorelanducc.org
An
Open and Affirming Congregation
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