A new, free resource for congregations, the "Church Toolkit for Israeli-Palestinian Peacemaking," is now available from Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), an ELCA-sponsored partnership. The tool kit is designed to provide resources and guidance on how to approach the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a congregational setting. Perfect for adult forums, companion synod and companion church committees, synod global mission gatherings and more, this tool kit will equip local churches and activists with resources to engage in peacemaking efforts in their communities.

The tool kit is arranged into three topic areas around which activities can be planned, including awareness-building, education and engagement in advocacy. The tool kit is suitable for both augmenting current activities and for beginning new initiatives.

"When the 2005 Churchwide Assembly adopted the Churchwide Strategy for Engagement in Israel and Palestine, our church committed itself to advocacy for political solutions that address the rights to security and peace with justice for both Palestinians and Israelis," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop, ELCA. "This resource gives our congregations a tremendous opportunity for raising awareness, educating their members, and using their voices to speak out for peace in the Holy Land."

The tool kit is viewable on the Web and downloadable as a pdf file, suitable for printing. Get the tool kit now at www.cmep.org/Toolkit/Toolkit_home.htm .

More information on ELCA's involvement in the Holy Land is found at www.elca.org/middleeast and www.elca.org/peacenotwalls , and interested people are invited to subscribe to e-mail updates on news and regional or national events at www.elca.org/middleeast/emailsignup.html .