Along with the Church of the Brethren General Board and other Church of the Brethren agencies, we the Committee on Interchurch Relations view with grave concern the escalating calls for military action intended to resolve the world's deepest divisions. We hold special concern for the Middle East as the historic birthplace of the "people of the book"-of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In order to build bridges of understanding, we stand in solidarity with all those who trace their spiritual ancestry through Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar.

We encourage members of the Church of the Brethren to become better acquainted with Judaism and Islam and the political and religious tensions that exist in the Near East. While we acknowledge that all governments desire to protect their citizens from terrorism, we urge the United States and its allies to address the injustices which have contributed to the climate in which such terrorism thrives. We are guided in our understanding by the teachings of Jesus and the Gospel principles of non-violence, compassion, justice, and love of neighbor.

Resources

Relating to People of Other Religions, What Every Christian Needs to Know by M. Thomas Thangaraj. Abingdon Press, 1997. This book explores the basic questions concerned with relating to people of faith who are not Christian. There is a study guide for each chapter.

The World's Religions by Huston Smith. Harper San Francisco, 1991. This is a revised and updated edition of the 1961 classic, The Religion's of Man. Smith is very likely the leading authority on world religions. He approaches each religion looking for the best that it has to offer. Chapters VI, VII, and VIII, deal with Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

Basic Judaism by Rabbi Milton Steinberg. A good and very readable text on the theology and practice of Judaism.

Understanding Islam an essay by David G. Metzler. Brethren Press. Metzler brings together his years as a religion professor at Bridgewater College with his experience and knowledge gleaned from his service to the Commission on Interfaith Relations of the National Council of Churches of Christ (USA).