Bethlehem participants in a global week of church advocacy are inviting individuals and groups around the world to send them wishes and prayers for peace.
Incoming emails will be shared with parishes, schools and organizations in Bethlehem and Jerusalem as part of the action week, which is led by the World Council of Churches.
The messages will remind Palestinians cut off from each other and from the outside world that they are not forgotten, the Bethlehem groups say.
Prayers and wishes that reach Bethlehem will be posted on a web site.
Some of the emails will also be read aloud in Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Sunday, 8 June 2008. That evening, people of Bethlehem will form a “living clock” to commemorate six decades of living as refugees and uprooted people since 1948, and 41 years of occupation.
Parishes on five continents will also use a special prayer from Jerusalem church leaders written for the action week.
The International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel which runs from 4-10 June has participants in 17 countries.
Events will take place from Canberra to Edinburgh, Manila to Oslo. These include meetings with government officials, vigils, public demonstrations, cultural events and media appearances.
Pax Christi International has helped plan the week and World Vision International is one of the participants.
Those wanting to send messages can email them to [email protected] before 7 June