I write to express my appreciation for and to lend my support to your call for even-handedness in the current war being waged by Israel on Hamas in Gaza.

It is evident that the western media has not been pursuing a policy of even-handedness in the coverage of the war and in the presentation of the issues from the perspective of both sides. Perhaps it could be argued that some of this is excusable as Israel is not allowing the foreign media access to Gaza where they can see for themselves and talk to the people of Gaza who are the targets in this war.

There is a deafening silence on the part of the churches and other religious groups concerning this development which has at base religious issues and the very concrete issue of land and national identity. Much of this response from the religious community is governed by ignorance concerning the history of developments in this part of the world and is governed more by mythic interpretations of reality.

Consequences

We should be just as concerned by the equally defeaning silence from many of the governments in the Western World, including our own. Perhaps they know something about the possible consequences of speaking on the issue in a way that is perceived to be on the wrong side and the possible consequences that could follow.

Clearly, this is a tragic situation which has been allowed to continue for too long and is fired by powerful external forces of differing religious and political shades. What is clear, however, is that an issue which is grounded in matters of religion, land, and national identities will not be solved by the use of gun powder.

I am, etc.,

Rt Rev HOWARD GREGORY

hkagregory@hotmail.com