...Since its founding, the modern state of Israel has been striving for peace even as it has been under attack by Arab armies and adherents of terror organizations. It has been striving for justice in the court of public opinion, where the press and organizations such as the U.N. regularly assault it with criticism while ignoring gross human rights abuses in the Arab world. But all this, to Sabeel, is irrelevant. Its vision of peace and justice -- a vision eagerly bought by many in the mainline churches -- doesn't include peace and justice for Israel.

So, perhaps the best answer to the question posed by this conference -- Will justice and peace embrace? -- is: not if Sabeel and its ecumenical friends can help it.

As mayor and on behalf of the City of Chicago, it is my pleasure to extend my warmest greetings to all those attending the Chicago Sabeel Conference at the Lutheran School of Theololgy at Chicago. With a them of JERUSALEM: will justice and peace embrace?, this conference gathers Christians of Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox traditions, as well as Musims, Jews and secular persons, to explore and affirm a shared committment to justice and peace through nonviolence in Palestine and Israel. Noted speakers, analysts, activists, scholars, artists and theologians from the United States, Israel and Palestine will discuss the progress and continuing problems in achieving peace in the region. I hope this conference and reflections on co-existence and understanding will inspire a more tolerant and peaceful environment in the Middle East. Please accept my best wishes for a productivare, enjoyable and memorable event. Sincerely, Richard M. Daley