Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – Peace for all those who live in the Holy Land, respect for the law and religious freedom, especially in the social and education fields.  This is the appeal that the patriarchs and leaders of Christian Churches in Jerusalem has made to "the leadership and members" of Hamas, in the wake of Palestinian elections.

In a message dealing with the elections and signed by the leaders of the Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Churches of the Holy Land, Christians congratulate the Palestinian people "for their democratic performance in the recent parliamentary elections," and express their "respect and support for the will of the people" and also congratulate those elected.

"Our message as Christian leaders," the document goes on to say, "in this new phase of our history is the message of our faith and our concern for all. Some may be afraid or troubled because of this new phase. We respond, first, with the words of Jesus Christ: 'Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. Peace I bequeath to you; my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give.' Second, 'Be strong and stand firm.' We call upon the Palestinian people to continue their contribution to the making of their history whatever may be the difficulties or obstacles, internal or external.

"We pray," the bishop wrote, "for all those who will govern in this difficult period, and we extend our cooperation to them for the public good and the national Palestinian aspirations together with the cause of justice and peace in a non violent way, whether in regard to foreign relations, the rule of law together with full religious freedom, especially in the social and educational fields.  Our message to the Government of Hamas, members and leadership, is the message of Our Lord Jesus Christ in his Sermon on the Mountain: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit: the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are the gentle: they shall have the earth as their inheritance. Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for uprightness: they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them. Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be recognized as children of God.'

They concluded their message by saying, "We ask God to guide us towards what is good for all and for this Holy Land with all its inhabitants, Palestinians and Israelis, be they Moslems, Christians or Jews."