I have just returned from the Middle East. While there, we were thrilled to visit with Reformed Christians in Lebanon–the place of the first Presbyterian Church international mission endeavor–and to see the vitality and strength of the ministry there. We celebrated churches alive in worship, children learning the Christian faith, seminarians being trained for ministry, and a church reaching out to all those who suffer in a war-torn country. We also rejoiced at the ministry of Palestinian Christians and of Christians, Jews, and Muslims who are working together for a new day of peace and reconciliation in Israel and Palestine.
But we also saw another side. In place after place we saw the ugly consequences of division. We saw tents and protests all over Beirut seeking to overturn the government, and building after building damaged or destroyed from the bombing this summer. In Bethlehem and Jerusalem we witnessed walls dividing people from people, fear on all sides, and a situation where Palestinians have literally slipped from poverty to desperation. It was not a pretty sight.
Our journey took us to the Mount of Olives, overlooking the old city of Jerusalem. There, we looked out on the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus offered his high priestly prayer before his crucifixion. I understood like never before why his most passionate prayer on that occasion was “that they may all be one … that the world may believe” (John 17: 21). Jesus understood the power of unity and reconciliation to build up the body of Christ and witness to God’s love to a divided and fragmented world. And he knew all too well the consequences of division, especially among Christians.
I have returned from that experience with an even deeper commitment to pray and live so that Jesus’ last prayer will be a reality in my life, in my church, and in this world. I hope you will join me in that commitment. Because we have been together over the years, Presbyterians have been able to reach out and to plant strong churches like those in Lebanon. I believe we are called to stay together to be God’s witnesses for peace and justice in the Middle East today–and in our own communities. As Jesus knew well, we are indeed better together, and I pray that we in the PC(USA) and Christians around the world will both pray and live the prayer of Jesus, “that we may all be one … that the world may believe!”
The Reverend Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick is Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
