The Reconciliation Walk Message 1998 - 1999

This message was carried in Turkish, Arabic and Hebrew by Reconciliation Walk participants and shared with individuals and communities along the First Crusade’s route from Cologne, Germany, across Turkey to Antioch, through Syria and Lebanon and then through the Holy Land, culminating in the final events in Jerusalem on 15 July 1999, the 900th anniversary of the Crusader conquest and massacre of Jerusalem’s Eastern Christian, Jewish and Muslim peoples.

"Nine hundred years ago, our forefathers carried the name of Jesus Christ in battle across the Middle East. Fuelled by fear, greed and hatred, they betrayed the name of Christ by conducting themselves in a manner contrary to His wishes and character. The Crusaders lifted the banner of the Cross above your people. By this act they corrupted its true meaning of reconciliation, forgiveness and selfless love.

"On the anniversary of the first Crusade we also carry the name of Christ. We wish to retrace the footsteps of the Crusaders in apology for their deeds and in demonstration of the true meaning of the Cross. We deeply regret the atrocities committed in the name of Christ by our predecessors. We renounce greed, hatred and fear, and condemn all violence done in the name of Jesus Christ.

"Where they were motivated by hatred and prejudice, we offer love and brotherhood. Jesus the Messiah came to give life. Forgive us for allowing His name to be associated with death. Please accept again the true meaning of the Messiah's words:

"'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captive, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour'."