|TOP|The head of one of the largest representative bodies of the world’s reformed church movement sent a letter to partner churches in Lebanon amidst continual airstrikes by Israel in the region occupied by Hezbollah militants.

The Rev. Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA), sent a letter offering prayer and support to Lebanese churches, the WARC reported Thursday.

“On behalf of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), I write to assure you that you especially are very present in our thoughts and our prayers,” wrote Kirkpatrick in the letter dated July 19. “Our offices have been receiving many inquiries from our church members and our regional offices about your safety and well-being. We want you to know that we stand in solidarity with you in our common witness to the love of God for all people, and in our common commitment to peacemaking.

“I also extend to you in my capacity as president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches the prayers for peace and concerns for your well-being from Reformed Christians all over the world.”

|AD|The reformed church head was one of the 19 high-level Christian leaders who signed a letter Thursday to President George W. Bush calling for a diplomatic solution to the conflicts in Gaza and between Hezbollah and Israel.

Meanwhile in the Middle East, Israel has resumed airstrikes on Lebanon and prepared for a possible ground invasion, reported The Associated Press on Friday. Hezbollah, which sparked the conflict by capturing two Israeli soldiers, has fired hundreds of rockets at northern Israeli towns since fighting began on July 12.

The current conflict is the largest offensive against Lebanon in 24 years and has resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties on both sides and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese and Israelis.

According to AP, Israel appears to have decided that a large-scale invasion is the only way to push Hezbollah back from the Lebanon-Israel border.

Top Israeli officials met Thursday night to decide how large a force to send and said Israel won’t stop its offensive until the Lebanese guerrilla group is forced behind the Litani River, 20 miles north of the border, AP reported.

PCUSA’s Kirkpatrick concluded his letter of support to the Lebanese churches: “We sincerely wish you to know that our church, with its deep and intimate history of nearly two centuries of relations with the peoples of your region, and with an abiding sense of fellowship with you all, will continue to lift and uphold you near to the heart of God. We look forward to a continuing dynamic engagement with you in witnessing and working for peace with justice for all.”





Michelle Vu
Christian Today Correspondent