Church representatives from six continents launch forum for peace in Palestine/Israel at end of World Council of Churches Conference in Jordan.

A new ecumenical advocacy initiative launched at the culmination of a World Council of Churches conference in Jordan this week is to help churches worldwide work for a just peace in Israel-Palestine.

Called the 'Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum', the initiative intends to be an instrument to "catalyse and co-ordinate new and existing church advocacy for peace". While aimed at "ending the illegal occupation in accordance with UN resolutions", it will be an expression of churches' "commitment to inter-religious action for peace and justice that serves all the peoples of the region", the WCC said.

Over 130 representatives from churches and Christian organisations gathered from six continents to attend the WCC conference, which started on Monday and concludes Friday 22 June.