1. A word of faith, hope and love from the heart of Palestinian suffering Part Two: Hope excerpts

2.  Our hope remains strong despite the lack of hope.  No quick solution & no change in our situation & suffering.  Israel refuses any solution – leaves no room for positive expectation.  Yet, because our hope is from God, it remains strong.  God’s goodness will be victorious over evil – some day!

3. Hope within us means our Faith in God Expectation for a better future Not chasing after illusions – release is not close at hand Hope means capacity to see God in midst of trouble to be co-workers with the Holy Spirit within us

4.  be steadfast  work to change the reality  not give in to evil, but stand up to it in spite of: o ruin & destruction all around us o strength of Israeli occupiers o growing racist separation o denial of our existence & dignity o confusion & division in our ranks

5.  If we resist in the face of this reality and work hard, perhaps our destruction will not come about.

6.  Despite weakness & divisions within the Church, there are signs of hope o Vibrant parish communities o Young people working for peace & justice

7.  Numerous local centers of theology & growing ecumenical spirit  Growing inter-religious & inter faith (Jewish, Christian & Muslim) dialogue - perfected through suffering & trying to breach the walls separating us  Steadfastness of generations’ belief in justice & their Nakba memory & the growing awareness of Churches around the world  Palestinian readiness for reconciliation once justice is restored & Jewish & Israeli voices for peace & justice

8.  All this is not yet able to transform our situation, but it may shorten our suffering and hasten reconciliation.

9.  Our Church is people bearing the voice of God now & always in prophetic prayer & service. o The suffering we experience is all part of our prayer and service o Thank God our Church speaks against injustice

10.  The Church’s mission is prophetic  taking the side of the oppressed as Christ did  calling for repentance, life & restoration of human dignity  The Church’s mission is to  proclaim God’s Kingdom of justice, peace & human dignity  bear witness to God’s goodness & dignity of all humans including adversaries

11.  Church points to the Kingdom beyond any earthy kingdom  Therefore, religion must o promote justice, truth & human dignity o try to purify regimes that promote injustice & suffering  God’s Kingdom is greater & more inclusive than any political system  God’s Kingdom is among us in everything we do & say. o Therefore, in the divine presence we shall do all we can until justice achieved

12.  Circumstances of Palestinian Church require the Church (universal) to  clarify her faith & better identify her vocation as has the Palestinian Church in its suffering, which now bears witness to: o love rather than revenge o life over death o hope for itself, the Church & the world

13.  The resurrection is the source of our hope of victory over death & evil.  Therefore, we remain a witnessing, steadfast & active Church in the Land of the Resurrection!