JERUSALEM (CWNews.com)

    The patriarchs of the three great historic Christian churches of Jerusalem-- Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian Apostolic-- have issued an open letter to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, encouraging them in their peace negotiations and promising their prayers.

    The full text of the patriarchs' text follows:

His Excellency Mr. Yasser Arafat
President of the Palestinian National Authority

His Excellency Mr. Ehud Barak
Prime minister of the State of Israel

Your Excellencies,

    In these days, you embark upon a historic summit meeting at Camp David in order to deal with the difficult issues that constitute the legacy and history of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

    On behalf of the thirteen traditional Heads of Churches in the Holy Land, we would like to assure you that our sincere prayers and ardent hopes will travel with you to the United States. The road toward peace is not an easy one, nor is the process of peacemaking any easier. But it is our wish that the expectations of millions of Israelis and Palestinians will be fulfilled this week with a meeting of minds and hearts that will pave the way for a peaceful, just and sincere future for the two peoples and three religions of a Land blessed by the Prophets.

Your Excellencies,

    We beseech you to exert extra efforts in your deliberations, as you seek the way to peace. We find strength in our Christian belief that we all need to "seek peace and pursue it." We will call upon you to show prophetic vision an d creative courage to transform Jerusalem into a city of Peace and reconciliation. We equally find solace that "blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God"

    Wishing you God's speed and success in your deliberations, we remain,

+ Diodoros I, Greek Orthodox Patriarch
+ Michel Sabbah, Latin Patriarch
+ Torkom II, Armenian Patriarch