Episcopal Press and News

PB's Letter to Secretary of State Colin Powell

Episcopal News Service. April 20, 2001 [2001-87]

April 19, 2001

The Honorable Colin Powell

Secretary of State

Department of State

2201 C Street, NW

Room 1210A

Washington, DC 20520

Dear Mr. Secretary:

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your measured and entirely appropriate comments on the recent violence in Gaza. While Palestinian attacks on Israeli settlements are condemnable to be sure, the disproportional response of Israeli forces needs to be named in the international arena. You have done that and I am encouraged by your willingness to hold Israel accountable.

I deplore the violence that emanates from both sides and pray that somehow a culture of non-violence will emerge between people of good will on both sides of the conflict. Ultimately, a just peace cannot result until violence is abandoned. I pledge to do my part to promote and uphold such a culture that respects the three faith traditions of the region.

I hope that my earlier letter to you of February 1 requesting a meeting between you and myself with other Christian leaders is under your active consideration. I enclose another copy.

This comes with my warmest regards and deep appreciation for your profound service and leadership.

Sincerely,

Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church

PS: I am sharing a copy of this letter with fellow Episcopalians because so many are deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East.