Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA) has written to Secretary of State Colin Powell and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon citing concerns about today's arrest of Mordechai Vanunu, who served 18 years in prison for leaking details of Israel's nuclear program. According to Bishop Riah Abu El-Assal, Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem, Israeli special police forcefully entered the grounds of St. George's Cathedral and took Vanunu into custody. Vanunu was reportedly detained on suspicion of disclosing more state secrets.

The full text of the Presiding Bishop's letters follow:

November 11, 2004
The Honorable Colin Powell
Secretary of State
US Department of State
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Mr Secretary:

I am writing to you out of grave concern regarding the arrest yesterday on the grounds of the Episcopal Cathedral in Jerusalem of Mordechai Vanunu. Attached is the letter I have just sent to Prime Minister Sharon along with an earlier letter regarding Mr Vanunu sent in June, as well as a statement from my fellow bishop in Jerusalem, the Right Revd Riah Abu El-Assal http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_53840_ENG_HTM.htm.

This violation of sacred space greatly disrespects our Church's presence and mission, and it is particularly disturbing that it occurred at this time when restraint on all sides is so desperately needed in the wake of Yasser Arafat's death. While I am not in a position to comment on the reasons for the arrest, I am told that it was carried out with such a show of force that pilgrims, tourists, and staff were terrorized.

We would greatly appreciate your asking our Embassy to raise our concerns with the Israeli Government.

With prayers and my continuing gratitude for the care and sensitivity with which you represent this great nation of ours, I am,

Yours sincerely,

The Most Revd Frank T Griswold
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church, USA

November 11, 2004
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
Embassy of Israel
3514 International Drive NW
Washington, DC 20008

Dear Mr Prime Minister:

I write to express my deep dismay at the actions of your government in seizing Mordechai Vanunu, a fellow Anglican, within the precincts of St George's Episcopal Cathedral in Jerusalem. I am told that, with guns drawn, Israeli Special Forces invaded this sacred space, terrorizing pilgrims, guests, and staff.

Although this is the first time in the history of the Cathedral that such actions have occurred, we have raised concerns about Israeli military entry into our hospitals in the past, and also about delays in visas for missionary personnel. Our letters of concern have not been answered.

I pray that this very sensitive time of transition following the death of Yasser Arafat may open the way toward the peace so desperately yearned for by Israelis and Palestinians alike.

With my prayer that the peace of God may find a home in the land which the children of Abraham call holy, I am,

Yours sincerely,

The Most Revd Frank T Griswold
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church, USA

June 17, 2004
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
Embassy of Israel
3514 International Drive NW
Washington, DC 20008

Dear Prime Minister Sharon:

I write to you today on behalf of Mordechai Vanunu, a fellow Anglican who has served 18 years in prison for his revelations of Israel's nuclear weapons program. My concern is not to argue the merits of his punishment. I am more concerned from a humanitarian view that, having completed his sentence, he now be assured that the conditions placed upon him by your government after his release be lifted.

The restrictions, forbidding contact with foreigners and not being allowed to leave the state of Israel, clearly go beyond the level of his original sentence and impose a hardship that should have ended upon his release. He has served his full sentence, and justice requires that he be allowed to rebuild his life and health having paid his debt under Israeli law.

I urge you to allow Mr Vanunu his rightful freedom so that he may plan for his future and seek a new life in the place of his choosing. I thank you very much for your thoughtful consideration of this concern. As you know, Mr Vanunu's life has been threatened both publicly and privately, and I am also fearful of what reaction might be were these threats to be carried out. At the moment, he is a guest of our Church in Jerusalem, and I ask that you take necessary measures to assure his safety until restrictions on his travel are lifted.

With my prayer that the peace of God may reconcile Israelis and Palestinians and bring healing and a new and hopeful future to all, I am

Yours sincerely,

The Most Revd Frank T Griswold
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church, USA