Press Release
April 28, 2005

For Information:
Kathleen Monts
229 924-0391
 

Koinonia Director travels with aN INTERFAITH peace delegation
to Palestine AND Israel.

Bren Dubay, director of Koinonia, just returned from a ten-day trip to Palestine and Israel. Dubay traveled as a member of a twenty-three person delegation to meet with Palestinians and Israelis who are working together to peacefully resolve the troubles in that part of the world. The delegation, known as The Tree of Life, is a project of the First Congregational Church in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Different geographical locations and faiths were represented in the group, which included Muslims, Jews, Buddhist and Christians. Regarding Dubay’s participation, Reverend David Good, delegation leader stated, “I am thrilled that the director of Koinonia said yes to our invitation. Koinonia has a long history in the non-violent movement and has distinguished itself in its efforts working for peace.”

The group met with the Arab Women’s Union, Bethlehem University, Israeli Committee Against Home Demolition, Father Elias Chacour of Mars Elias Educational Center, members of Parents’ Circle (a group of Palestinian and Israelis who have lost (over) children due to the conflict) and many others.

“I was deeply moved by the stories and struggles of the people we met,” Dubay said. “I was made more aware of the Palestinian Christians and Muslims of that area whose stories have not been reported as frequently. Their faith is a powerful testament. It was a life-changing experience.”

Koinonia is now working directly with Bethlehem University on the possibility of hosting a group of Muslim, Jewish and Christian students to spend time working and studying together at the Americus farm this summer.

“Another Koinonia community member, Sanders Thornburgh, represented Koinonia on a similar trip with Tree of Life last fall,” said Dubay. “He and I will be making a presentation to our community and working with them to find projects that will help promote peace in the region.”

Koinonia, founded in 1942 as an intentional Christian community, is located on Highway
49 South. It is open to the public daily for tours and visits to its museum and store.