HCEF Concludes Celebrating
its 20th HCEF International Conference.
 
The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF), in partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Know Thy Heritage Inc. (KTH), held the 20th HCEF International Conference and celebratory Dinner on Friday, November 2nd and Saturday, November 3rd under the conference theme of “Together in Faith – “Jerusalem: Our Collective Home.”
 
Seeing Christians, Muslims, and Jews, as well as peace organizations working together for the peace, unity, and betterment of the Holy Land and of Jerusalem was surely a highlight of the weekend. The participants produced the following consensus statement.
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of the 20th HCEF International Conference,
“Together in Faith – Jerusalem: Our Collective Home”
November 3, 2018, Washington, D.C.
 
Jerusalem is a city like no other. Nestled deep in the heart of three Abrahamic faith traditions, she carries a special weight in our varied, but interrelated beliefs and images of reality. Although our political goals sometimes intrude into faith issues, it is clear now, more than ever, that Jerusalem’s significance resides in embracing humanity and inclusive relations. Jerusalem cannot belong exclusively, or even predominantly, to one people or one religion.
 
  • The inhabitants of Jerusalem must have a dignified life and have equal access to housing, jobs, education, medical care, municipal services, political participation, cultural activities, and religious sites.
  • Legal protection is essential. All inhabitants of Jerusalem must be equal before the law.
  • Christians, Muslims, Jews, and others everywhere should advocate for preserving Jerusalem’s Status Quo and for maintaining her as the inclusive center of faith.
  • The Question of Jerusalem should be addressed through negotiations, not dictation; through fairness, not partiality. Both the process and its outcome must be just and inclusive.
  • Only when Jerusalem is at peace can she fulfill her true universal character and be the center of reconciliation for humanity.
 
We commit ourselves to bringing together religious leaders, peace organizations, and others of good will in support of Jerusalem, our collective home. We plan to do so in an organized, systematic, and systemic manner.