Bishops, U.S. rep. visit Palestinians and Israelis

Hearing directly from both Palestinians and Israelis, U.S. Rep. Lois Capps, D-Calif., Pacifica Synod Bishop Murray Finck and Southwest California Synod Bishop Dean Nelson spent time in the Middle East Jan. 9-16.

Capps, a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Santa Barbara, Calif., called it a "balanced" fact-finding visit.

"I heard one message loud and clear from everyone I spoke with, from Israeli and Palestinian government officials, activists and regular people: The only way to reach a comprehensive political settlement between Israel and the Palestinians is for the United States to play an active, hands-on diplomatic role in the region," Capps told The Lutheran.