| October 2021 Check out the latest opportunities and events from Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). | | | Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with the United Nations (UN): CMEP is excited to announce that we are now an organization in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with the United Nations (UN) as of recent approval in July 2021. In May 2021, CMEP submitted this letter to the UN Security Council stating that a ceasefire is not enough and calling for the core issues of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict to be addressed. Now with our special consultative status with ECOSOC, CMEP will have direct access to the United Nations and will be able to secure UN grounds passes for our representatives, the ability to physically enter conference rooms, and the ability to interact with diplomats and UN staff. CMEP's increased ability to participate formally in UN meetings will significantly aid our advocacy efforts. | | | | | | | Partner with us: Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) relies on partnerships to promote a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. CMEP helps churches, organizations, leaders, and individuals advocate for justice and peace for all peoples in knowledgeable, timely, holistic, and effective ways. We provide opportunities to learn about the Middle East, elevate diverse voices, and support local peacebuilding efforts in the region. | | | | | | Events with CMEP: CMEP is pleased to offer private events and experiences for your church, scheduled for a time that works for your community. Whether you want to have a casual evening of experiencing the culture of the Middle East or host an in-depth discussion on the religious history of the land, current theological conversations, and the root causes of the recent war in Israel and Palestine. CMEP is eager and willing to support the work you are doing in your community. | | | | | | | Public Statement: September 17, 2021: CMEP Statement on New Lebanese Government and the Economic Crisis in Lebanon: CMEP acknowledges that the current financial crisis in Lebanon represents one of the greatest economic catastrophes of our time. As our Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon stated, “The humanitarian crisis has left the majority of Lebanese in need of food, water, fuel, and limited access to their personal financial resources and wealth. Yet, one of the largest concerns is the geopolitical fallout that could occur and destabilize the already fragile geopolitical relationships between Lebanon and her neighbors.” Public Statement: September 29, 2021: CMEP Celebrates Rep. Khanna NDAA Amendment to End US Support for the Saudi-led war and blockade on Yemen: Last Thursday, September 23, the cause of peace won an important victory in the halls of the U.S. Congress on the road toward ending the years of war that have produced nothing but suffering for Yemen and the region. The House passed an amendment to the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), that CMEP supports and has worked for, to prohibit U.S. logistical support, intel sharing, maintenance, and spare parts for the Royal Saudi Air Force conducting operations in Yemen for years. | | | | | Check out CMEP's other publications and mentions from September: | | | | | | Series of Webinars on Armenia: Churches for Middle East Peace led two webinars in September 2021 focused on educating ourselves and our constituents about the history and conflicts surrounding Armenia. "Christians in Peril" was co-sponsored by the Armenian Assembly of America and is a part of their virtual fall advocacy week. Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon moderates this panel on Armenian Christians with Andrew Crane and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian. "An Introduction to the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict" features Olesya Vartanyan who works with Crisis Group as their Senior Analyst in the South Caucasus and focuses on providing a historical introduction to Armenia and Azerbaijan at War - specifically an introduction to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict of 2020. Register for free to view the videos of these webinars here. | | | | | | Recent Virtual Tour: On September 29, 2021, CMEP traveled via zoom through the City of David, Silwan, and Sheikh Jarrah. This was an opportunity to view, learn, and discuss with the live guide. CMEP staff was also present to talk about current events and advocacy opportunities related to the Holy Land. If you missed our Virtual Tour, you can watch the video recording of the tour and see what you missed! | | | | | | | | Contact Us Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) 110 Maryland Ave NE, Suite 311 Washington, District of Columbia 20002 (202) 543-1222 info@cmep.org | | | | | | |