Anglicans in Israel speak out
An Anglican Community in Israel speaks out against the recent decision
On Monday, Feb 6th, the General Synod of the Church of England voted in favor of removing investments that were seen as “profiting from the illegal occupation of Palestinian land.” As a community founded in the late 18th century with a historic connection to the Jewish people, the Israel Trust of the Anglican Church, or Christ Church Jerusalem, is deeply disturbed by this recent decision.
During the discussion of the motion, the Synod did not allow the Anglicans for Israel lobby to respond. This failure to listen to both sides of a difficult situation culminated in a regrettable decision.
The continuing pre-occupation with Israel, while at the same time ignoring other areas of suffering and strife such as China in Tibet and The Sudan in Darfur, points to anti-Semitism. Christ Church is committed to combating anti-Semitism on all fronts, including those that appear in an anti-Israel guise.
The Israel Trust of the Anglican Church is in no way connected with the Church of England in sponsoring this initiative. The Church of England would be better served to find practical ways to facilitate dialogue instead of passing one-sided resolutions. This naïve action will do nothing to promote genuine reconciliation between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East.
Christ Church Jerusalem, is the oldest Anglican Church in the Middle East and the founding church of the Diocese of Jerusalem. It is an evangelical witness in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City.
