Conference Program 2008
10th International Conference
A Decade of Seeking Peace:
Pursuing Hope, Security, and Human Dignity
HCEF Achievements and Challenges
October 24-25, 2008
National Presbyterian Church
4101 Nebraska Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
| Saturday, October 25, 2008 |
| 8:00am – 9:00am
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Registration, Refreshments, Exhibition Open |
| 9:00am – 9:40am |
Prayer and welcoming remarks |
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Rev. Dr. Douglas Learned
Executive Pastor, National Presbyterian Church
Introduction to 10th International Conference
Conference
Moderators:
Dr. Saliba Sarsar, Secretary, HCEF Board of Directors,
Associate Vice President for Program Initiatives,
Monmouth University
George Ghattas, HCEF Vice President. Country Representative
Opening Remarks: * Rateb Y. Rabie, KCHS, HCEF President/CEO
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| 9:40am - 9: 50am
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Who are the Arab Christians of the Holy Land?
Visual Presentation—A brief description of Arab Christians |
| 9:50am - 10:30am |
Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Women in the Occupied Territories |
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Speaker:
Ms. Anna Baltzer, a Columbia graduate, Fulbright scholar, and volunteer with the International Women’s Peace Service, will describe her personal experiences, observations, and photographs from eight months documenting human rights violations in the West Bank. |
| 10:30am -10:45am |
Coffee Break |
| 10:45am -11:45am
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Hope for the Two-State Solution: Challenges and Opportunities from Palestinian and Jewish Perspectives |
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Moderator: Ambassador Philip C. Wilcox, President
Foundation for Middle East Peace
Speakers:
Dr. Ziad Asali, President, American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP)
Ori Nir, Spokesperson, Americans for Peace Now (APN)
The two-state solution remains an attractive option for resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. However, what are the requirements for its success? Will the Palestinians be able to provide a more viable leadership and will the Israelis be willing to be less aggressive in their dealings with the Palestinians and end the occupation?
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| 11:45am -12:45pm |
Lunch |
| 12:45pm - 1:15pm |
Keynote Speaker:
H.B. Patriarch Michel Sabbah, Two Decades of Faithful Witnessing in the Holy Land |
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As his address will make evident, Patriarch Sabbah’s vision is inclusive and is matched by his courage to extend himself and open dialogue with leaders who do not see life from the same “peace with justice” lens. His friendship and conversations with Palestinians and Israelis have not reduced his objectivity, search for dialogue and truth, and calls for movement in peacemaking, peace building, and reconciliation. |
| 1:15pm - 1:30pm |
Visual Presentation: |
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A Decade of Seeking Peace: Pursuing Hope, Security, and
Human Dignity—HCEF Achievements and Challenges |
| 1:30pm - 2:45pm |
Workshops
Economic Development and Holy Land Support Programs
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The Israeli occupation and resultant violence have adversely affected the economic development in the Palestinian areas. The lack of tourism, jobs, investments, infrastructure, regional assistance, and international support have created a desperate situation for Palestinians. Regardless, Christian agencies, including HCEF and others have sustained their commitments and programs, giving the Palestinians a glimmer of hope and self and national worth. This workshop will explain existing programs of training, job creation, business development, and investment, all essential for basic living, peace building, and a better future. |
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Speakers:
*Mrs. Khoulud Daibes Minister of Tourism, Palestinian Authority
*Mr. William Corcoran; President, American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA)
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Christian Grassroots Advocacy and Solidarity: Leadership for Serious Engagement
This workshop describes the activities that support Holy Land Christians, which are available through the Holy Land Christian Support Network (HCSN). Attendees will learn the elements of forming an activist ecumenical committee to coordinate work in the media, churches, and schools, whereby civic representatives and religious leaders create awareness of Palestinian Christian suffering and develop effective programs that contribute to the improvement of their living conditions in the Holy Land.
Moderator: Fr. Drew Christiansen, SJ. HCEF-Cofounder, Advisory Board, Editor in Chief, America Magazine
Speakers:
Ambassador Warren Clark, Executive Director Churches for Middle East Peace. (CMEP)
Dr. Stephen Colecchi, Director, Office of International Justice and Peace-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
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Partnerships for Educational Initiatives
Education is key to a better life. The more educated a population is, the better it is prepared to address life’s challenges, let alone under conflict conditions. Personal achievement, responsible leadership, and community stewardship—all flow from excellence in learning, which is dependent on excellence in teaching and a sustaining environment. This workshop will examine ways by which educational institutions and agencies can create partnerships in support of joint grant applications, resource acquisitions, and training of teachers and others.
Moderator: Dr. Saliba Sarsar, Secretary, HCEF Board of Directors, Associate Vice President for Program Initiatives, Monmouth University
Speakers:
*Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Development, Bethlehem University
Fr. Majdi Siryan, General Director of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Palestine, Jordan, and Israel
George Ghattas, HCEF Vice President, Country Representative.
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| 2:45pm - 3:00pm |
Break |
| 3:00pm - 4:00pm |
Arab Christians in Regional Context—Panel |
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Are Arab Christians in Jordan and in Israel an integral part of society, serving in public offices and considered equal before the law? Do those in Jordan engage in dialogue with Muslims and do those in Israel engage in dialogue with Muslims on the one hand and Jews on the other hand.
Moderator: William Yontz, HCEF Chairman of the Board of Director
Speakers:
H.R.H. Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the U.S, -“Arab Christians and Public Service in Jordan”
Wadie Abunassar, Director, International Center for Consultations (ICC) “The Identity Crisis of Arab Christians in Israel”
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| 4:00pm-5:00pm |
Christian Zionism |
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The speakers will explore the differences in the theological and political views of the mainstream evangelicals and Christian Zionists. Touching upon the realities of Christian Zionism as it influences current events in the Holy Land, and obstructs the peaceful resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. We will also hear critiques concerning John Hagee, the most dangerous pastor in America!
Moderator: Reverend Russell Siler, ECLA Pastor
Speakers:
Stan Moody, Founder of the Christian Policy Institute and The Hope Partnership
Rev. Donald Wagner, Ph.D., the Director of Cmes/Professor Middle Eastern Studies at North Park University and HCEF Advisory Board Member
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| 5:00pm |
Closing Remarks Fr. Emile Salayta, HCEF Co-founder |
| 5:30pm |
Reception with the Guest of Honor, His Beatitude Patriarch Michel Sabbah
* invited, awaiting confirmation |
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