More than 1,500 churches from a variety of denominations
showed their solidarity with Israel during a special service Sunday.
On the second annual Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Sunday, congregations prayed for the peace of Jerusalem and pastors dedicated their sermons to explaining why Christians should support the Jewish nation. Organized by Texas pastor John Hagee, founder of CUFI, the event drew participants from all 50 states and 50 nations.
"Israel is an outpost of freedom and democracy in one of the most undemocratic regions in the world," Hagee said after the event. "Now is the time for Israel's supporters, regardless of faith or political ideology, to unite in standing with Israel as she confronts such serious threats from Hezbollah, Hamas and Iran."
Hagee said Israel is in more danger than ever, as the nation faces the threat of a "nuclear holocaust" from Iran, whose president has said Israel should be wiped off the map. But he said "making matters worse" is the fact that the Obama administration seems to be wavering in its support for the Jewish nation since Israel announced plans to build in disputed land in east Jerusalem last March.
"Washington has manufactured a crisis with Israel over building homes for Jewish people in Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem, something no other American administration has ever done," Hagee said in a video message before the event. "Now there is talk the administration will impose a peace settlement on the parties whether or not the Israelis believe their security is guaranteed. In my 30 years as a Zionist there has never been a more critical hour for Israel than right now."
Members of the participating churches were encouraged to sign a pledge posted at CUFI's website. The statement affirms that the Jewish people have a right to live in their ancient land of Israel, that Israel has a right to defend itself against acts of terrorism, and that Christians will speak out on Israel's behalf "whenever and wherever necessary until the attacks stop and they are finally living in peace and security with their neighbors."
CUFI Sunday is part of a series of A Night to Honor Israel events being held in churches throughout the year. So far, 146 such events have been held nationwide.
"CUFI is just 4 years old, but since our inception, we have seen that Christians across the country and around the world are eager to learn about and act on the biblical and historical mandates for Christian Zionism," said CUFI Executive Director David Brog.
"Israel needs support now more than ever," Brog added. "I am very proud that CUFI is playing an ever-increasing role in making that happen."
CUFI will host a summit in Washington, D.C., July 20-22 aimed at lobbying members of Congress to stand with Israel and urge the Obama administration to maintain the United States' historic support for the Jewish nation.
