Rice in Bethlehem

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U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stands next to Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theofilos III of Jerusalem during her visit to the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank city of Bethlehem Oct. 17. Rice visited the historic church on the last day of an intense stint of shuttle diplomacy aimed at relaunching Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. "Being here, at the birthplace of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has been a very special and moving experience," Rice said after the visit. "It is also, I think, personally for me a reminder that the Prince of Peace is still with me and with all of us." Referring to Judaism, Islam and Christianity, Rice said the "great monotheistic religions that have inhabited this land together have an opportunity to overcome differences, to put aside grievances, to make the power of religion a power of healing, a power of reconciliation, rather than a power of division."

--CNS/Reuters/Kevin Frayer

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