Methodist Bishops’ President Praises President Bush for Mideast Leadership

Council of Bishops of The United MethodistChurch

Bishop Roy I. Sano Executive Secretary

Washington, D.C.20002

(202) 547-6270

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 15, 2005

Contact: Stephen Drachler

(615) 742-5411 office

(615) 456-4710 cell

[email protected]

Methodist Bishops' President Praises President Bush for Mideast Leadership;

Letter Urges U.S. President to 'Broaden Participation&ellipsis; For Lasting Peace'

WASHINGTON The president of The United Methodist Church's Council of Bishops today praised U.S. President George W. Bush for showing leadership within the United Nations to bring about a cease fire in the conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militia in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

In the letter, sent to the White House by the council's president, Bishop Janice Riggle Huie of Houston, she urged President Bush to continue working through the United Nations to "broaden the participation of those who will build a base for a lasting peace."

Bishop Huie also told the president, who is a United Methodist, the church stands ready to mobilize humanitarian assistance for relief and rebuilding efforts in the region.

The letter follows:

August 15, 2006

President George W. Bush

The White House

Washington, DC

Dear President Bush:

Thank you for your leadership in the United Nations adopting the resolution which has served as the basis for the cease fire in Lebanon and Israel. We are grateful that you have worked to lay the foundation for further negotiations to bring long-term stability to the region.

I join others who are urging you to continue working through the United Nations in order to broaden the participation of those who will build the base for a lasting peace.

You can be assured that The United Methodist Church will mobilize relief and recovery efforts as soon as possible. As in numerous other situations over the years, we will work with governmental agencies in the United States, the United Nations, and nations affected by natural disasters and conflicts. We have regularly been partners in these efforts with the Red Cross, other denominations and religious bodies, and the private sector.

Please know that you are in my prayers for God's wisdom and strength as you continue to move with others and join God who promises that

He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples;

They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks, nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn of war anymore. (Isaiah 2:4)

Sincerely,

Janice Riggle Huie

President

cc: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice