Stephen Sizer

Conciliators to work on complaint

2013-05-24T18:35:00.002+01:00

Ed Thornton, writes in the Church Times today: Conciliators to work on complaint

TWO "conciliators" have been appointed by the Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Christopher Hill, to attempt to resolve a complaint by the Board of Deputies of British Jews against a cleric.

In October last year, the board lodged a complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure against the Vicar of Christ Church, Virginia Water, in Surrey, the Revd Dr Stephen Sizer. The board said that Dr Sizer had made statements that it regarded as "anti-Semitic", and "posted internet links to articles on racist and anti-Semitic websites".

The Crown Prosecution Service investigated a complaint last year that Dr Sizer had posted a link on his Facebook page to a website that had anti-Semitic content. The CPS concluded that Dr Sizer had not committed a criminal offence (News, 4 May 2012).

Rabbi Dan Cohn-Sherbok, Professor Emeritus of Judaism at the University of Wales, wrote to Bishop Hill last year, saying that accusations that Dr Sizer was an anti-Semite were "completely without foundation" ( News, 13 April 2012).

A statement issued by Guildford diocese on Monday of last week said that both the Board of Deputies and Dr Sizer had "recently accepted the Bishop of Guildford's proposal of 'conciliation' as provided for by the Clergy Discipline Measure. He has asked for the process to be concluded within three months."

Two conciliators - one Jewish, and one Christian - had been nominated by Bishop Hill, and agreed by Dr Sizer and the Board, the statement said.

A spokesman for Guildford diocese said: "While it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage until the process is complete, this development clearly represents important progress, given that the aim of conciliation under the Measure is to achieve a positive and constructive outcome, with expert support, through dialogue."

The Board said in a statement that it was "more than happy to test whether the complaint can be satisfactorily resolved by agreement".

See also Antisemitic? We don't think so

Evaluating the Balfour Declaration: Breaking the Deadlock in the Middle East

2013-05-23T00:44:00.002+01:00

On Saturday May 18th 2013, the Balfour Project held a one day conference at The Stripe, University of Winchester exploring the different legacies of the Balfour Declaration and how a greater understanding of history can contribute to justice and peace in the Middle East today.

Speakers included, Professor Mary Grey, Rabbi Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok, Dr Dawoud El-Alami, Rabbi Charles Wallach, John Bond and Dr Mark Owen.

View further photographs here

Antisemitic? We don't think so

2013-05-22T23:47:00.000+01:00

Antisemitic? We don't think so

Tanas Alqassis, Chairman, Arab Vision International
Revd Andrew Ashdown, Enham Team Rector and Trustee of Embrace the Middle East
Right Revd Riah Abo El Assal, 13th Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem
Fr Robert Assaly, Priest in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
Dr Bishara Awad, Founder and President Emeritus, Bethlehem Bible College
Dr Mark Braverman, Author of the Fatal Embrace
Canon Dr Mike Butterworth, former Academic Registrar, Oak Hill College
David Carter, Director, Middle East Evangelical Concern
Anne Clayton, Coordinator, Friends of Sabeel UK
Rabbi Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok, Professor Emeritus of Judaism, University of Wales
Michael Connarty MP, Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly
Jeremy Corbyn MP, Islington North
Katherine Cunningham, Moderator, IPMN, Presbyterian Church USA
Dr Martin Davie, Theological Advisor to the House of Bishops
Professor Philip Davies, Department of Biblical Studies, University of Sheffield
Professor Scott Elias, Royal Holloway, University of London
Adam Estle, Executive Director of Evangelicals for Middle East Understanding
Right Revd John Gladwin, former Bishop of Guildford and Chairman of Citizens Advice
Anthony Gratrex, member of Christ Church, Virginia Water
Tony Greenstein, Founding Member, Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Professor Mary Grey, Emeritus Professor of Theology, University of Wales
Dr Jeff Halper, Co-founder of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions
Hank Hanegraaff, President, Christian Research Institute
Revd Phil Hill, Nazareth Evangelical Theological Seminary
Canon Garth Hewitt, Founder, Amos Trust
Lawrence Jones, former member of Christ Church, Virginia Water
Dr Ghada Karmi, Fellow of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, Exeter University
Manfred W. Kohl, Ambassador, Overseas Council
Dr Attorney Jonathan Kuttab, Chairman of the Board, Bethlehem Bible College
Venerable Michael Lawson, Chairman, Church of England Evangelical Council
Anne Martin, member of Christ Church, Virginia Water
Jeremy Moodey, Chief Executive, Embrace the Middle East
Craig Murray, former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan
Diana Neslen, Ex-officio, Jews for Justice for Palestinians
Professor Ilan Pappe, Director, European Centre for Palestine Studies, Exeter University
Revd Chris Rose, Director of the Amos Trust
Canon John Salter, Vice Chair, Garden Tomb Association
Revd Jack Sara, President, Bethlehem Bible College
Rabbi Dr Stanley Howard Schwartz, Hospice Chaplain and retired Army Chaplain
David Toorawa, Chair, Friends of Sabeel UK
Revd Dr Donald Wagner, National Director, Friends of Sabeel North America
Revd John Woodger, Retired vicar, St Mary's Watford

News Sources:

Church Times: Conciliators to work on complaint
Church Times: Vicar is not Anti-Semitic
Church Times: Rabbi Clears Vicar of Anti-Semitism
Church of England Newspaper: Sizer complaint
Jewish Chronicle: Bishop: anti-Zionist vicar ‘no antisemite'
Jewish Chronicle: Sizer: I am ready to meet the Board of Deputies any time

Jews for Justice for Palestinians Digging for dirt: the campaign against Stephen Sizer
Phil Groom (member of CCJ): Jeremiah's Underpants
Phil Groom (member of CCJ): Dr Sizer is cleared
Craig Murray: Defend Stephen Sizer

Commendations

"He has recently explained, however, that he 'categorically reject[s] any position that threatens the territorial integrity of Israel as a sovereign nation.... Stephen Sizer's work has the merit of clearly setting out the issues that divide the two sides, and furthermore doing so without the rancour or sheer nastiness of tone typical of the polemics in the conflict." (p.571). Anthony Julius is chairman of the London Consortium and a Visiting Professor at Birbeck College, University of London. His book Trials of the Diaspora, is a magisterial 800 page examination of the history of Anti-Semitism in England.

“I am glad to commend Stephen Sizer’s ground-breaking critique of Christian Zionism. His comprehensive overview of its roots, its theological basis and its political consequences is very timely. I myself believe that Zionism, both political and Christian, is incompatible with biblical faith. Stephen’s book has helped to reinforce this conviction.” Revd John Stott, Rector Emeritus, All Soul’s, Langham Place, London, the principal framer of the Lausanne Covenant (1974) and founder of the Langham Partnership International.

“This is a very fine and important book. All Christians who believe that Jesus favoured peacemakers, should read it and realise what terrible harm is being done in the name of Christianity. And all who are concerned about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict should read it to understand how Christian Zionism disables the US as fair minded mediator. European foreign policy thinkers should read it,because this distortion of US political space, puts a greater responsibility on European governments to stand up for justice and international law” Clare Short, former British Secretary of State for International Development

More than sixty bishops, clergy, politicians and academics have endorsed my books Christian Zionism and Zion's Christian Soldiers

Repudiating anti-Semitism

For the record, over the years, on this blog I have:

lamented the suffering of Christians under Islamic rule here and here.
repudiated suicide bombers and terrorism here and here.
repudiated holocaust deniers here, here, here and here.
repudiated anti-Semitism here, here and here.
repudiated racism and the British National Party (BNP) here.
distinguished anti-Zionism from anti-Semitism here.
advocated a diplomatic solution to resolving tensions with Iran here and here.
advocated for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by peaceful means based on the implementation of international law here, here and here.
commended the work of the Council of Christians and Jews.

To clarify my position in my book Zion's Christian Soldiers, I wrote the following:

"It is true that at various times in the past, churches and church leaders have tolerated or incited anti-Semitism and even attacks on Jewish people. Racism is a sin and without excuse. Anti-Semitism must be repudiated unequivocally. However, we must not confuse apples and oranges. Anti-Zionism is not the same thing as anti-Semitism despite attempts to broaden the definition. Criticising a political system as racist is not necessarily racist. Judaism is a religious system. Israel is a sovereign nation. Zionism is a political system. These three are not synonymous. I respect Judaism, repudiate anti-Semitism, encourage interfaith dialogue and defend Israel’s right to exist within borders recognised by the international community and agreed with her neighbours. But like many Jews, I disagree with a political system which gives preference to expatriate Jews born elsewhere in the world, while denying the same rights to the Arab Palestinians born in the country itself."

I concur wholeheartedly with John Stott,

“Away then with anti-Semitism! It has been an appalling scandal in the history of Europe, and even the Christian church has been implicated. Christians should be ‘pro-Semitic’, in the sense that we recognize how the people of Israel have been highly favoured by God. We Gentiles are their debtors, Paul wrote (Romans 15:27). We owe them a huge spiritual debt, especially in their bequest to the world of both the Scriptures and the Christ."

On a daily basis I count myself truly blessed (Matthew 5:11) and honoured to follow the Good Shepherd (John 15:18-19).

Lost Boy No More

2013-05-22T06:06:00.000+01:00

Bishop Abraham Nhial (in purple) and South Sudan Soldiers cross over a bridge from South Sudan into Sudan. Bishop Abraham is one of the few Lost Boys to return back to his homeland and help the people of South Sudan. He does not receive any regular pay for this ministry work, but rather his work is supported only through prayer and those that are called to support his work.

We invite you to explore his story through this website and to join with him in supporting the hurting people of South Sudan who endured many years of war, losing over 2 million people.

Lost Boy No More

Séanna Breathnach of Coiste on The Better Friday Agreement

2013-05-19T06:22:00.001+01:00

In this short interview Séanna Breathnach (Seanna Walsh in English) talks about the Better Friday Agreement, a meeting in Belfast to mark the 15th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

In July 2005, he appeared on a DVD reading out a statement from the IRA Army Council announcing the end to its armed campaign. In doing so, Breathnach became the first IRA member since 1972 to represent the organisation without wearing a mask.

Coiste provides a unique perspective of Republican ex-prisoners in Ireland. For more information see Coiste

Coiste are organising a conference in Linen Hall Library, Belfast on Friday 24th May. It is to mark the referendum, north and south, which endorsed the Good Friday Agreement. This is an attempt to look back over that historic agreement and to discuss what could have been done differently, what remains to be fulfilled and what is the vision for our future?

Go raibh maith agaibh, Séanna Walsh – Legacy and Outreach Worker, Coiste

Doug Lockhart Global CEO of Biblica

2013-05-19T05:51:00.003+01:00

Doug Lockhart is Global CEO of Biblica. In this short interview he talks about the future. For more information see Biblica

Imagine sharing the Bible with 60% of the world in their primary language. Biblica’s Bible translations and world outreach allow us to do just that. Biblica’s international ministries impact 55 countries across 6 regions of the world. Explore what God is doing and how you might get involved in changing the world through the Bible.

AIDS Prevention through Bible Programs
Discover how to stop AIDS through Bible study, small groups, and the power of the Gospel.

Kids
Discover Bible lessons for kids that will teach about God and build a passion for the study of the Bible.

Translation
Discover a global strategy to reach the world with the Bible.

Scripture Outreach
Discover how low-cost Bibles are the ultimate tool for evangelism.

Bible & Church Engagement
Discover how a Bible study becomes community engagement.

Prison Ministry
Discover Bible resources for prison ministry.

Military Support
Discover how Biblica provides Bibles for soldiers and military families.

Stephen Cave is the CEO of Biblica Europe. In this short interview he talks about plans for the future. For more information see www.biblicaeurope.com

The Forced Exile of Palestinians

2013-05-15T00:25:00.001+01:00

Source: Visualizing Palestine

Shared Land: Friends of Sabeel UK Conference

2013-05-14T18:17:00.000+01:00

Friends of Sabeel UK Conference and Annual General Meeting

Saturday 15th June 2013 10:30am-5:00pm

at
CMS, Watlington Rd, Oxford, OX4 6BZ

Programme

Working For Peace for the People of Palestine and Israel.

Sabeel works for a just peace for the people of Palestine and Israel. Started by Palestinian Christians, Sabeel promotes non-violence and reconciliation. Friends of Sabeel UK is working in Britain to support that vision.

Justice and peace in the Middle East will only happen with the cooperation of all the faith communities in the region. Sabeel, a grassroots ecumenical liberation theology organisation based in Jerusalem, encourages this cooperation. Its work involves:

Exploring the meaning of the Gospel in the Palestinian situation.
Supporting the Palestinian Christian community.
Working for a more accurate international awareness of the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The word Sabeel is Arabic. It means ‘the way.’ It can also mean a spring or channel of living water.

Friends of Sabeel UK

Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem Criticize Brutality of Israeli Police

2013-05-14T13:56:00.001+01:00

Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem Condemn the Israeli Police of these Measures and Violations of Christians' rights to Worship at the Holy Sites

We, the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, watched with sorrowful hearts the horrific scenes of the brutal treatment of our clergy, people, and pilgrims in the Old City of Jerusalem during Holy Saturday last week. A day of joy and celebration was turned to great sorrow and pain for some of our faithful because they were ill-treated by some Israeli policemen who were present around the gates of the Old City and passages that lead to the Holy Sepulcher.

We understand the necessity and the importance of the presence of security forces to ensure order and stability, and for organizing the celebration of the Holy Fire at the Church of the Resurrection. Yet, it is not acceptable that under pretext of security and order, our clergy and people are indiscriminately and brutally beaten, and prevented from entering their churches, monasteries and convents.

We urge the Israeli authorities especially the Ministry of Interior and the police department in Jerusalem, to seriously consider our complaints, to hold responsibility and to condemn all acts of violence against our faithful and the clergy who were ill-treated by the police.

We deplore that every year, the police measures are becoming tougher, and we expect that these accidents will not be repeated and the police should be more sensitive and respectful if they seek to protect and serve. We also denounce all those who are blaming the churches and holding them responsible of the Israeli measures during Holy Week celebrations.

On the contrary, the Heads of churches in Jerusalem condemn all of these measures and violations of Christians' rights to worship in their churches and Holy Sites. Therefore, we condemn all measures of closing the Old City and urge the Israeli authorities to allow full access to the Holy sites during Holy Week of both Church Calendars.

The Heads of Churches of Jerusalem

+Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
+Patriarch Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarchate
+Patriarch Norhan Manougian, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate
+Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, ofm, Custos of the Holy Land
+Archbishop Anba Abraham, Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, Jerusalem +Archbishop Swerios Malki Murad, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate
+Aba Fissiha Tsion, Locum Tenens of the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate
+Archbishop Joseph-Jules Zerey, Greek-Melkite-Catholic Patriarchate
+Archbishop Moussa El-Hage, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate
+Bishop Suheil Dawani, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East
+Bishop Munib Younan, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
+Bishop Pierre Melki, Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate
+Msgr. Joseph Antoine Kelekian, Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate

Council of Christians and Jews Initiative to be Welcomed

2013-05-14T13:56:00.000+01:00

Now that the dust has settled on the decision of the Church of Scotland to withdraw their report, The Inheritance of Abraham, temporarily, so that the foreword can be rephrased after complaints from some Jewish groups, the initiative of CCJ to call a meeting of both sides to resolve misunderstandings and find common ground is to be welcomed.

Some of the reporting has been intemperate to say the least. In the Jewish Chronicle, for example, we read 'This church report on Israel sets the clock back 70 years' , 'A damaging document' and SCoJeC Rebukes Church of Scotland Over Report. Sadly, Scottish Friends of Israel claim 'Once again racism raises its ugly head in the form of anti-Semitism at the Church of Scotland.'

Ephraim Borowski, Scottish Council of Jewish Communities director, said:

"The document is an outrage to everything that interfaith dialogue stands for. It is biased, weak on sources, and contradictory, and closes the door on meaningful dialogue."

The CCJ leadership are, therefore, to be commended for proposing a meeting. I would not necessarily have described it as an "emergency meeting" but that perhaps reflects the gravity with which they regarded the need and it is good that the outcome has led to new understanding. See Emergency Meeting Brings New Understanding

CCJ CEO Rev’d David Gifford said: “The CCJ exists to bring Christians and Jews together and facilitate proceedings in a way that the various parties can talk and discuss areas of mutual interest but different sensitivities in a way that befits people of faith.

“Whilst we cannot and do not offer answers to these difficult issues it is important that we continue to support dialogue and understanding between Christians and Jews to enable them to make their own decisions about how to work together and move forward.

“The outcome of this week’s meeting demonstrates the ongoing need for this sort of assistance– and we will continue to help and encourage Christians and Jews to learn from each other to avoid creating a culture of anti-semitisim.”

The joint statement concludes,

That the Church condemns all things that create a culture of antisemitism.

Sitting round the table and listening to each other more deeply has created a real opportunity for both communities to better understand each other and that this report now becomes a catalyst for continued and growing conversation.

The two communities have agreed to work together both here and in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to continue what was a very positive dialogue.

I look forward to hearing how future meetings will bring representatives of the Palestinian community into the conversation as well, since they too share in the inheritance of Abraham.

This is all rather poignant since David Gifford proposed a similar meeting between myself and representatives of the Jewish community nearly 18 months ago when some were similarly unhappy with statements I had made. I am grateful to him for attempting to initiate such a dialogue and only regret that it has yet to happen. I know why but I cannot say (at least not yet)! See the Jewish Chronicle Sizer: I am ready to meet the Board of Deputies any time.

It is to be hoped that this successful CCJ initiative in Scotland will filter down a little further south, sooner than later.

See also Church of Scotland report questions Israel's claim of "divine right"

and The Inheritance of Abraham

Brian Duss on Israel-Palestine

2013-05-14T06:18:00.002+01:00

Brian Duss talks about his recent church-based tour of Israel-Palestine. Formerly on the staff of World Vision Jerusalem, he now works for Sojourners

We Are Family DC: Brian Duss Interview

2013-05-14T06:14:00.002+01:00

Check out We Are Family on Facebook and their website

Reconciliation to me means...

2013-05-13T06:57:00.004+01:00

Musalaha is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians as demonstrated in the life and teaching of Jesus. We endeavor to be an encouragement and advocate of reconciliation, first among Palestinian and Israeli believers and then beyond to our respective communities. Musalaha also aims at facilitating bridge building among different segments of Israeli and Palestinian societies according to biblical reconciliation principles.

The history of the Middle East is a study in conflict, a chronicle of conquerors and pilgrims, of prophets and saviors. The realities of our current situation are complex religiously, socially, politically and spiritually, and still we greet one another with the word “peace.” Is it possible for those Palestinians and Israelis who desire to remain true to their Palestinian or Israeli identity, history, and nationality, to also live as neighbors free of hostility, bitterness, and fear?

These questions are part of the struggles that Israeli and Palestinian believers must also face. Reconciliation has become a central issue within the body of the Messiah here in the land, and believers are being compelled to deal with it on many different levels. Nineteen years ago, Musalaha (which means reconciliation in Arabic) was established by Salim J. Munayer, PhD when he acted upon his vision to see true peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Since then, an executive board of an equal number of Palestinian and Israeli community and church leaders have led this ministry of reconciliation in taking steps twoards overcoming these mountainous obstacles. It is our belief that Christ’s death and resurrection are the foundation of reconciliation, and that forgiveness and healing can only come through following His example and obeying His word. We hope to emulate and teach Christ’s model of forgiveness, mercy, and love, breaking down the walls of enmity that so easily embitter and ensnare.

The challenge lies in the practical application of such Biblical teaching and truths. Palestinian and Israeli believers, who share a common faith and desire to honor the Word of God, often continue to be separated by cultural misperceptions, language barriers, and resentfulness. The years of conflict between nations have allowed a process of dehumanization and demonization of the “other.” How can people groups, whose images, opinions, and attitudes are so defined by a history of conflict, be reconciled?

First, they must meet one another; and in an area with such complex realities, it is difficult to find common ground that is an appropriate forum for teaching and advancing in the process of reconciliation. There are very few locations that are neutral and easily accessible. In order to solve this problem, Musalaha developed the Desert Encounter, where we take different groups of Palestinian and Israeli youth, young adults, and leaders on a desert journey. Groups in the past have shared camel treks, jeep tours, and hiking trips through the deserts of the Sinai, Negev (in Israel), and Jordan. We have found the desert to be a uniquely neutral atmosphere, where everyone is in the same position, working together to negotiate the hardships of the desert sun or a stubborn camel. The challenges of survival and cooperation provide an excellent occasion for relationships and open communication. Each trip has been a unique experience of cultural and spiritual discovery.

The Desert Encounter was the first fulfillment of Musalaha’s vision to implement the teachings of Jesus in a practical manner. In the last 19 years, we have expanded our projects to include conferences, camps for children, publishing, cultural teaching, and leadership training. We have several programs geared specifically for young adults, youth, and women, and also attempt to reach out to our communities with the message of reconciliation through social service projects in both Israeli and Palestinian areas.

The most recent phase of reconciliation within the ministry of Musalaha is the Bridge Building programs, reaching the Muslim and Jewish communities with the message and methods of bible-based reconciliation. This has been done through Muslim-Christian encounter projects, a sports camp program that is open for everyone, and other similar projects. The common moral values that are shared by all three monotheistic religions serves as a great starting point for opening up these discussions, and the biblical values of tolerance, peace, and love inform all of these projects. Also, in Romans 12:18 we are told “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This includes our neighbors, no matter what religion they ascribe to.

Theological questions can be divisive issues that have much bearing on cultural understanding. Because of the importance of these issues to both the Israeli and Palestinian believing communities, the theology of the Land is one area that Musalaha has emphasized, arranging conferences and seminars on Biblical topics. We have published three books containing articles on the nature of peace, reconciliation, and theology of the Land.

It is our vision and hope that in listening to one another, in understanding each other’s backgrounds and identity, in seeking forgiveness and to forgive, Palestinians and Israelis will build relationships that reflect their faith and bring glory to God and peace to this Land.

Source: Musalaha

The Stones Cry Out

2013-05-12T00:36:00.003+01:00

The Stones Cry Out by Yasmine Perni gives a detailed account of the historical, cultural, and political place occupied by Christians in the recent history of the Palestinian nation, and in its struggle against colonialism.

Covering a broad sweep of history, from 1948 to the present day, Yasmine Perni’s documentary includes interviews with preeminent leaders, scholars, and activists, and conveys some of the very specific challenges faced by Christians living in Palestine today.

Check out the website The Stones Cry Out

See the film premier in the UK at the PFF, Tuesday 14th May 7:30pm UCL, Harrie Massey Lecture Theatre, London.

Visualizing Occupation: Who Profits and Who Pays?

2013-05-11T10:00:00.003+01:00

Source: Visualizing Occupation: Who profits, and who pays?

Just a cartoonist with a moral duty to speak

2013-05-09T13:48:00.002+01:00

“The cartoonist’s task is not so much to be balanced as to give balance, particularly in situations of disproportionate power relationships such as we see in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” —Michael Leunig

Australia’s The Age has defended this cartoon, which the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) labelled as “virulent hate-speech”.

When a celebrated Australian like Michael Leunig speaks so eloquently and sensitively about the appalling situation of the Palestinian people, it does give many people pause to consider their own attitudes, long skewed against the Palestinians by decades of demonizing propaganda.

Normally a man of few words, Leunig always finds a way of paring down the issues to their core to touch what is human in us. Today though he gave us more: today he explained why he cannot be silent in the face of oppression and the systematic destruction of one society by another.

He may have been speaking about his moral duty as a cartoonist, but all people of conscience would have to ask themselves why they have neglected to speak in defense of a people so long maligned and so mercilessly denied justice.

It will be the beginning of the end for those perpetrating the injustices once people discover the human in themselves and refuse to quaver before the worn and age-old catch cries intended to savage reputations and ambitions and focus instead, as Leunig says, “on the plight of the subjugated, the ones most neglected, severely deprived and cruelly afflicted.”

Read Michael Leunig's article Just a cartoonist with a moral duty to speak and decide for yourself.

And check out Michael Leunig's website

"I tell you," Jesus replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." (Luke 19:40)

Church of Scotland report questions Israel's claim of "divine right"

2013-05-08T11:51:00.002+01:00

The Church of Scotland is to be commended for their report, The Inheritance of Abraham? published a week or so ago but swiftly removed under pressure. In no sense does the report disenfranchise anyone from legitimate rights to citizenship in Israel and Palestine, merely the claim made by some Zionists that the Bible mandates an exclusive right to the land for the Jewish people alone.

On the contrary the Hebrew Scriptures repeatedly insist that the land belongs to God and that residence was always conditional. For example, God said to his people, “‘The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers.” (Leviticus 25:23).

Here are some of the theological conclusions of the report:

From this examination of the various views in the Bible about the relation of land to the people of God, it can be concluded that Christians should not be supporting any claims by Jewish or any other people, to an exclusive or even privileged divine right to possess particular territory. It is a misuse of the Bible to use it as a topographic guide to settle contemporary conflicts over land.

In the Bible, God’s promises extend in hope to all land and people. Focused as they are on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, these promises call for a commitment in every place to justice in a spirit of reconciliation.

On how Christians should respond politically, the report insists:

That the current situation is characterized by an inequality in power and therefore reconciliation can only be possible if the Israeli military occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the blockade of Gaza, are ended.

The Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank are illegal under International Law.

The Church of Scotland, individuals and civil organisations should urge the UK government and the international community as a matter of urgency to put pressure on Israel to cease from the expansion of these settlements.

The Church of Scotland must remain in dialogue and fellowship with ecumenical partners to support concerns for justice and peace.

That the Church of Scotland should do nothing to promote the viability of the illegal settlements on Palestinian land.

The Church of Scotland should support projects which prioritise peace building, poverty alleviation and the Palestinian economy.

That human rights of all peoples should be respected but this should include the right of return and /or compensation for Palestinian refugees.

That negotiations between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority about peace with justice must resume at the earliest opportunity and the Church of Scotland should continue to put political pressure on all parties to commence such negotiations, and asking all parties to recognise the inequality in power which characterises this situation.

That there are safe rights of access to the sacred sites for the main religions in the area.

The report is succinct in offering biblical justification for its theological and political stance. The following notes are a summary of chapter 4 of my book Zion’s Christian Soldiers.

They amplify and explain the significance and purpose of the Promised Land, its geographical boundaries, the conditions for residency, the nature of the Kingdom and concept of land in the New Testament.

Read more here or you can download a copy as a PDF. The Promised Land from the Nile to the Euphrates.

A summary of the book as a whole is also available entitled Seven Biblical Answers to Popular Zionist Assumptions.

Marc Ellis has written a useful commentary on the Church of Scotland report Exile and the prophetic: the Church of Scotland weighs in

See also The Book of the Covenant by Nick Evans for a Christ-centred understanding of the Abrahamic Covenant from a Messianic Jewish perspective.

Update: Council of Christians and Jews Initiative to be Welcomed

"Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land. The Lord Almighty has declared in my hearing: “Surely the great houses will become desolate." (Isaiah 5:8-9)

Israel-Palestine The Problem of Perception

2013-05-08T07:41:00.004+01:00

Source: Ben White

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43-44)

Flying Paper

2013-05-07T21:34:00.002+01:00

An uplifting story of Palestinian youth in the Gaza Strip on a quest to shatter the Guinness World Record for the most kites ever flown. A film co-produced with young filmmakers in Gaza.

Support Flying Paper

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)

The Prisoners' Diaries

2013-05-07T20:35:00.001+01:00

This is a compilation of 22 Palestinian prisoners' experiences in Israeli jails.

1,027 prisoners were released in 2011 as part of the exchange with Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and 22 of them were interviewed by journalists.

Their commentaries were translated by CPDS and edited. The book is dedicated to Samer Issawi and all Palestinian prisoners, past, present and future, and was released on 17April 2013, in conjunction with Palestinian Prisoners' Day.

Order from the IHRC Bookshop

The Prisoners Diaries E-Book
The pdf version of this book can be downloaded here for $1.99. It will be sent to the email address linked to your Paypal account. The e-book will be available in other formats at a later date, inshaAllah. Profits from the book will be used to fund projects in citizen journalism at The Centre for Political and Development Studies, Gaza.

The Prisoners' Diaries Arabic version e-book
You may download the Arabic version of the book, produced by CPDS , here.

Book Reviews

" This book is so valuable as it combines the witnessing by prisoners with just enough information about the magnitude of the Israeli prison system to give readers a true understanding of this most agonizing dimension of the Palestinian ordeal.” − Richard Falk, Albert G. Milbank Professor of International Law Emeritus, Princeton University and UN Special Rapporteur for occupied Palestinian Territories

“ I defy you to read these stories and not weep for Jews and Palestinians. Now dry your eyes and work for justice, peace and reconciliation.” - Stephen Robert Sizer, Anglican vicar of Christ Church, Virginia Water, Surrey, England, writer, peace activist and freelance photographer

“ A humane, beautiful, valuable yet painful book. I ask all people of conscience to read it to learn more about the suffering of the Palestinian detainees in Israeli Occupation prisons.” − Hana Shalabi, former hunger striker, Hasharon prison, Tel Aviv

The Prisoners' Diaries

"I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' (Matthew 25:36)

Easter Flash Mob

2013-05-07T06:26:00.000+01:00

It was the Orthodox Easter this weekend. If you have not seen this video from Beirut made two years ago - enjoy. In a multi-faith society like Lebanon, it is encouraging to see how one faith community can celebrate and express its convictions with joy and humour without others being intimidated or threatened.

See more videos from SAT-7

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)

Over 1,000 Bishops, Clergy and Laity Sign Letter of Support for EAPPI to Archbishop of Canterbury

2013-05-06T19:45:00.000+01:00

9th April 2013

Dear Archbishop Justin,

We write as representatives of organisations and as individuals who are deeply involved in the search for peace with justice in the Holy Land to express our deep concern over the remarks that have been attributed to you in a recent interview with the newspaper “Jewish News”. Amongst the aspects of the interview with which we were most saddened were that you regretted not voting against the General Synod decision to support EAPPI.

As you know, the main criticism that was levelled against EAPPI before the vote was, in the words of one of their more strident opponents, that it created “a cohort of very partisan but very motivated anti-Israel advocates who have almost no grasp of the suffering of normal Israelis”.

However, EAPPI seeks a just solution to the problems in the Holy Land that will benefit both Palestinians and Israelis. It operates in terms of what it calls “principled impartiality” with its Code of Conduct stating: “We do not take sides in this conflict and we do not discriminate against anyone but we are not neutral in terms of principles of human rights and international humanitarian law. We stand faithfully with the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized. We want to serve all parties in this conflict in a fair and unbiased manner in word and action.”

In our experience, all Ecumenical Accompaniers are scrupulous in their determination to be fair to all sides in their work, as befits both the programme and the senior positions they often hold as Church leaders, in the legal profession, as teachers and many other areas.

Its participants are given a full briefing on a wide variety of Israeli perspectives including taking an extended tour of the Holocaust Museum and travel to Sderot to meet Israeli people affected by rockets fired from Gaza. Their discussions with Israelis also include briefings from those who work with Palestinians most directly – some of whom wrote most powerfully in support of EAPPI when it came under its most sustained attack.

One of these was Professor Jeff Halper, who wrote as an Israeli Jew and as one of the founders of EAPPI in Geneva to remind us of the particular challenges that EAPPI addresses in the Palestinian West Bank. He says that many of these have no parallel for Israelis, “where children hardly need to be escorted to school and where children of settlers are escorted by the Israeli army, and Palestinian children walking miles through the hills of Hebron to school and being regularly attacked by thugs from the settlements armed with baseball bats and guns. Anyone who tries to equate the “sides” ignores the immense power differential created, among other things, by the Israeli Occupation. (Last time I looked, the Palestinians were not occupying Tel Aviv or demolishing Israeli homes.)” He went on to say that “as the head of an Israeli peace and human rights organization that tries to stop Israel’s wanton demolition of Palestinian homes (27,000 so far since 1967, almost none for “security” reasons), I call on the Synod to give the EAPPI all the support it can.”

It need hardly be added that some of the organisations who have attacked EAPPI most vociferously have seldom been noted for their own impartiality in the Middle East conflict, promoting as they do their “Speak out for Israel” campaign.

Many of us are frequent visitors to the Holy Land and are passionate in our belief that peace with justice will only come when all communities have their need for security, equality and dignity addressed. But this will not come whilst discriminatory laws, home demolitions, planning restrictions, checkpoint and movement restrictions and enforced family separations persist. Indeed, we agree with the former Speaker of the Knesset Avraham Burg that the constant building of illegal settlements on Palestinian land, not only prevents the emergence of a viable Palestine but jeopardises the future of the state of Israel.

We welcome the news that you are to visit the Holy Land in June. In hoping that you get the opportunity for a comprehensive view of the conflict, we encourage you to visit Israelis from all sides of the spectrum of opinion, including those who are risking so much in the campaign to end the occupation. We also encourage you to visit Palestinians who are suffering behind the walls, including the Christian community in Bethlehem, the people of the Jordan Valley, those living in refugee camps such as Aida and Balata as well as the people of Gaza who are so often marginalised and forgotten. We also encourage you to visit with international lawyers, who can provide vital background on the legal obligations, such as in the 4th Geneva Convention, that a situation of Occupation imposes.

Please support those who are advocating for peace with justice, please support those who are risking their reputations and even their lives to oppose military domination of one by another and please speak out for those who oppose oppression. Above all, we ask you to hear the 2009 Kairos call of the Palestinian Christians, who ask “are you able to help us get our freedom back, for this is the only way you can help the two peoples attain justice, peace, security and love?”

This comes with our prayers, support and good wishes for your important ministry.

Yours sincerely,

Over 1,000 clergy and laity co-signed the letter.

In the Synod debate on EAPPI, twenty-one bishops backed the motion, with only three against and 14 abstentions. The clergy voted 89 in favour, 21 against and 44 abstentions; and the lay members voted 91 in favour, 30 against with 35 abstentions.

If you wish to add your signature to this letter please do so here

For more information on EAPPI

Synod backs EAPPI after critics' claims found to be untrue

Visualizing Occupation: Children under Israel's legal regime

2013-05-06T18:03:00.005+01:00

+972 magazine has published this excellent graphic in conjunction with CAABU.

The different legal systems under which Israelis and Palestinians are tried apply to children as well. As +972 has consistently documented, Palestinian children arrested by the army are treated by the military court system as “potential terrorists.”

The visual demonstrates what would happen should two 12-year-old boys, one Israeli and one Palestinian, get arrested for fighting.

One would swiftly be brought before a judge, given access to a lawyer, tried and spared jail time. The other could face two years in jail without trial.

This illustration is the eighth in a series of infographics on Palestinian civilian life under occupation.

By Michal Vexler, with the cooperation of Caabu – The Council for Arab-British Understanding

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9)

South Sudanese Leader Assassinated

2013-05-06T10:38:00.003+01:00

I would like to bring to your attention this sad news of killing of our beloved paramount chief kuol Deng Kuol of Abyei region and others. I know chief Kuol personally. He was a fine man and great leader, who fought for the right of his people more than any body in Abyei region. This is a great loss to all of Abyei and people of South Sudan as whole.

Also, the sad news is that the International Community will not act because they love the Islamic government in Khartoum who killed more than two million people in South Sudan, Nuba Mountain, Blue Nile, and still continue in Abyei, Nuba Mountain, South Blue Nile, Darfur and South Sudan. Please pray for the people of Abyei and share this sad news with your congress man and Congress woman and Senators.

May our loving God rest their souls in eternal peace, comfort families and people of Abyei Region.

Rt. Rev. Abraham Nhial
Bishop of Diocese of Aweil and Abyei Area
South Sudan

See South Sudan holds Sudan responsible for killing of paramount chief in Abyei

Update from Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Chief Kuol Deng Kuol, Paramount Chief of nine Ngok Dinka peoples in Abyei, Sudan, was buried on 6 May. He died on 4 May when his convoy was ambushed by members of the Arab Misseriya after attending peace talks.

Chief Kuol Deng Kuol had participated in a meeting with the Sudanese delegation of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC) and proceeded to Kej, also known as Difra, in a convoy of the United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISAF). The convoy was intercepted by Misseriya tribesmen, and after a few hours of negotiation, the Misseriya opened fire, killing Chief Kuol Deng Kuol, and at least three others.

Speaking to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), an Abyei elder expressed his shock at the death of the Paramount Chief, who was well respected both in South Sudan and Sudan. He stated that the Chief’s death is a sign that even those who are attempting to work for peace in Abyei are being silenced and that the people of Abyei must be allowed to participate in a referendum and decide their future, since the current stalemate is far too costly.

The killings have been condemned by the UN Secretary General, the African Union and the US government. The future of the disputed oil-rich border region remains a source of conflict between Sudan and South Sudan.

According to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended Sudan’s decades-long civil war, a referendum allowing the people of Abyei to determine whether they would stay part of Sudan or join South Sudan was meant to have occurred in tandem with South Sudan’s own plebiscite on 9 January 2011. However, it was postponed due to ongoing disagreements between Khartoum and South Sudan over voter eligibility. The nomadic Misseriya tribe, which has access to certain pasture-lands in Abyei for part of each year, insist on being accorded full voting rights in the referendum. However, according to the Abyei Protocol and a subsequent ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, only the Ngok Dinka and permanent residents may vote.

Tensions increased in January following a statement by the Misseriya that they intended to remain in Abyei during 2013 in order to participate in the referendum, which is currently scheduled for October 2013.

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Chief Kuol Deng (Majok) Kuol, and to the Ngok Dinka people. His untimely death is an indication of the dangers posed by the current stalemate and reaffirms the urgent need for a referendum conducted in line with the international ruling that will allow the people of Abyei to determine their future. CSW calls upon the international community to ensure that all agreements signed by Sudan and South Sudan with regard to Abyei are adhered to, and that any attempt to undermine them using violence and intimidation, or by altering the local demography, is dealt with swiftly and decisively.”

How can we solve the Palestinian Israeli problem?

2013-05-06T08:41:00.002+01:00

This film is the sole work of Sami Moukaddem and he retains ownership of all content therein.

This film is not to be reproduced by any other person or party for profit or political gain.

Parties wishing to show this film in public please contact Sami Moukaddem