Middle East Task Force: 2009 Goals

• We will continue regular meetings, scheduled in advance and generally bimonthly, with dinner, for communication, education, inspiration, encouragement, and support.

• Special meetings may be called as appropriate when urgent issues call for our attention or when visiting speakers call for our attention

• We will sponsor a traveling seminar to Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Israel, Palestinian Territory November 2-20, 2009.

• We will provide speakers and resources on the Middle East to groups as requested

• We will facilitate advocacy roles for a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflicts

• We will support the Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and will interpret PC(USA) positions on the Middle East

• We will encourage cooperation and networking with groups that share our vision and purpose—Chicago Faith Coalition for Middle East Policy The Committee for Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine, North Park University Center for Middle East Studies, Jewish Voices for Peace, Sabeel, Christian Peacemaker Teams, Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, and others

• We will participate, as invited, in the Presbytery of Chicago partnerships or dialogues with the Jewish and Muslim communities through the Ecumenical and Inter-religious Work Group

• We will communicate our concerns to the Presbytery of Chicago and the General Assembly through the Advance Justice Mission Priority Team of the Presbytery, through which we will continue our Covenant relationship

• We will seek congregational affirmation and partnership in our work, including, but not mandating financial support

In 2009, a steering committee will plan and manage meetings and is authorized to make decisions and act on behalf of METF as necessary: