Middle East Task Force: Purpose

To continue to be an educational vehicle for congregations, individuals, the Presbytery of Chicago, and, through the Presbytery, to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church(USA) concerning the continuing quest for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between the state of Israel and the Palestinian people
To advocate measures to end the occupation of Palestinian territories by establishing a viable Palestinian state or establishing a single shared state for all persons in the area of Israel and Palestinian territories based on democratic principles and equality for all persons, including a resolution to the questions of the rights of Palestinian refugees
To serve as a support network to Christians in the Middle East, and to relate to Presbyterian and ecumenical bodies in the Middle East
To focus on other countries in the region including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Iran and Egypt
To sponsor periodic traveling seminars and other trips to the Middle East to fulfill our educational, support, and advocacy missions
To make members and congregations aware of travel opportunities to the region sponsored by other Presbyteries or entities
To serve as a network support group for persons who have lived in or traveled to the Middle East, others who have served there, and any others who share our purpose for a peaceful, non-violent resolution of the Middle East conflict
To advance our mission for peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region by active advocacy and communication through the Presbytery of Chicago and the Advance Justice Mission Priority Team
To work in tandem as appropriate with other organizations who share our commitment for a peaceful, just, and non-violent resolution of the Middle East conflict