Middle East Committee
Statement of Purpose: "The Westmoreland Middle East Committee offers a compatible, non-partisan forum for those interested in achieving peace and justice in the Middle East. Its goals are to share information and concerns, to provide educational and outreach programs, and to network with other churches and Middle East-oriented organizations.”
The Middle East committee was established by Westmoreland's executive committee in 1978 "to organize the study of issues involved in realizing peace in the Middle East,"; calling on the many members with first-hand experience in the Middle East. Since its establishment the committee has planned, implemented, and participated in activities for the congregation, other UCC entities, and ecumenical groups that focus on Middle East issues.
Current activities include:
- a partnership relationship with Christ Episcopal Church in Nazareth, Israel
- selling Palestinian olive oil (free trade, organic)
- supporting Tent of Nations, an Environmental and Educational Farm in the Palestinian West Bank.
- a partnership with Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP).
The committee usually meets after worship on the 3rd Sunday of the month. The monthly program includes guest speakers, Westmorelanders with specific expertise or experience in the area, screening of topical movies, and occasional field trips.
Westmorelanders travel frequently to the area. In 2009 seven members participated in a pilgrimage organized by the committee. Since then two more members have journeyed there, one with a group from Colorado and the other as a part of an Interfaith Peace-Builders delegation.
Page last updated 28 October 2011.
