WITH the passing of the 60th anniversary of the creation of the state of Israel last week, both BMS World Mission and the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) were involved in action calling for peace in the region.

On Saturday, BMS regional secretary for the Middle East and North Africa Gordon McBain took part with his colleagues in a march in London to show solidarity with Palestinians.

Two days earlier on May 8, the date of the anniversary, the general secretary of BUGB signed a joint declaration calling for a 'just peace' between Israelis and Palestinians. The declaration was published in The Independent newspaper.

A reported 15,000 people took part in the march, representing groups as diverse as trade unions, the Amos Trust, War on Want, Pax Christi, Jews for Justice for Palestinians and the British Muslim Initiative.

It culminated in a rally on Trafalgar Square, where speakers called for an end to the siege of Gaza, withdrawal from the occupied territories and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Mr McBain said, 'It felt good to stand alongside Christians, Jews, Muslims and other groups, all concerned for just treatment of one of the poorest nations on earth.'

He explained that BMS' solidarity with the Palestinian cause is not to be construed as support for those who pursue terrorist tactics.

Meanwhile, the joint declaration, signed by around 140 Christian leaders around the world, acknowledged that 'many of us in the church worldwide' have denied the Palestinians 'the same solidarity' offered to Israelis.

The signatories underlined the Biblical affirmation that 'it is justice that 'will produce lasting peace and security', before committing themselves 'to a courageous settlement whose details will honour both peoples' shared love for the land, and protect the individual and collective rights of Jews and Palestinians.'

BUGB general secretary, the Revd Jonathan Edwards told The Baptist Times, 'It is clear that there can be no easy answers in the Middle East and I warmly welcome this balanced and wise declaration which makes it clear that all sides have much to do to create a peaceful and just Israel.

'I believe that Baptists in this country have a deep affection for and commitment to Israel and I pray that we will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Baptist brothers and sisters as they serve the Lord in these challenging times.'

The full declaration and list of signatories may be found at: http://justpeace60.blogspot.com