[Peace-discuss] religious delegation traveling to Iran

[Karen Medina]

[Was anyone aware of a 13-member U.S. religious delegation visiting Iran to act as a bridge of peace between the two countries? The trip was scheduled for Feb. 17-25. I wonder if the Congress members would actually listen to them. - karen medina]

== snippets of an article describing the intended visit are below ==
Feb. 14, 2007
"[...] the Iraq Study Group [...] recommended the United States develop diplomatic relations with Iran and Syria. "That was rejected by the administration," he [Jim Winkler, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Societ] said.

"So where do you have avenues for conversations? I think faith leaders and particularly Christian leaders have an opportunity for that kind of dialogue that doesn't otherwise exist."

"He [Winkler] wants the president [of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad] to know many people in the United States are working to bring about an end to the war in Iraq and trying to bring a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

"We are trying to change U.S. foreign policy from one based on confrontation, domination and intimidation to one of peace and cooperation and diplomacy," he said.

"When the team meets with Christian and Muslim leaders, the goal is "to listen and hear their realities and views."

"Upon returning, the religious leaders plan to meet with members of Congress to report on their conversations. A similar meeting occurred last October after talking with Ahmadinejad in New York. Congressional staff members encouraged them to continue their efforts and visit Iran."
==
"In addition to Flaming and Winkler, delegation members include Mary Ellen McNish, chief executive of the American Friends Service Committee; Maureen Shea, Episcopal Church USA; Rev. Patricia Shelly, Mennonite Church USA; the Rev. Shanta Premawardhana, National Council of Churches; Joe Volk, Friends Committee on National Legislation (Quakers); Rev. Jeffrey Carr, Sojourners/Call to Renewal; David Robinson, Pax Christi; Geraldine Sicola and Mary Lord, American Friends Service Committee; and Ed Martin and J. Daryl Byler, Mennonite Central Committee."

source: http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2072505&ct=3556777