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Israel and Palestine
The Presbyterian Church has been involved in mission efforts
in the Middle East for nearly two centuries. The denomination's
long-standing witness in Israel and Palestine has spanned
a range of efforts: supporting mission personnel; working with partner churches; contributing to refugee relief and resettlement;
combating hunger and poverty; supporting ministries of local
churches; sponsoring travel-study seminars; promoting education,
health and leadership development; vocational training programs
and self-development projects; programs supporting peace,
justice and human rights movements; engaging in constituency
education; and mobilizing to influence public policy.
Since 1948 General Assemblies have repeatedly addressed
the Middle East and particularly Israel and Palestine. The Presbyterian
position has consistently been to affirm the right
of Israel to exist as a sovereign
state within secure, internationally recognized borders
and the right of the Palestinians to self-determination,
including the right to the establishment of a neighboring independent,
sovereign state toward the end of establishing a just
and durable peace. [Learn
more]
The ongoing violence in the region has
been of grave concern to the church, particularly as it has escalated
to a historic degree in the current intifada.
Reiterating concern for the deaths of civilians in this and other
conflicts, the PC(USA) affirmed the immorality of terrorism at
the 216th General Assembly in 2004 and has begun a process
of progressive engagement with multinational corporations
that facilitate violence against civilians.
Central to violence against
innocent civilians, to broad human rights violations, to the
dwindling Christian presence, to fear, humiliation and anger
for both peoples is the ongoing
illegal Occupation of Palestinian territory. The PC(USA)
has repeatedly called for an end to the Occupation. The PC(USA)'s
positions have been informed by and are sensitive to the perspectives
of Christians in the region as well as Christian-Jewish and
Christian-Muslim relations. They are in concert with the voices
of Israeli, Palestinian and international peacemakers. They
are in harmony with the stipulations of international law and
UN resolutions. Consistent with its stand over the decades,
the PC(USA) took several actions
related to Israel and Palestine at the 216th General Assembly
in 2004, including initiation of a process of progressive
engagement with multinational corporations involved in the
Occupation. [Read more]
In 2006 the General Assembly again passed a resolution related to Israel/Palestine, touching on corporate engagement, positive investment, and interfaith relations. An explanatory "Frequently Asked Questions"  (FAQ) about the 2006 actions is available online, as are texts of related resolutions taken by recent Assemblies.
The 2006 General Assembly also called on Presbyterian congregations to remember all the people of the Middle East in these troubled times. Resources for worship, study, projects and dialogue are available for congregations to celebrate a Week of Prayer and witness — scheduled between Easter and Pentecost 2007 — are still available. [Read more]
Related stories
- June 2008 General Assembly calls for peacemaking in Israel/Palestine
- June 17, 2008 [ENI] Israeli interfaith organization head to get international award
- June 4, 2008 General Assembly backgrounder: Israel-Palestine
- June 4, 2008 [WCC] In Jerusalem and around the world, a week of church action for Middle East peace begins.
- May 9, 2008 [WCC] Israel and Palestine—60 years, comment by the World Council of Churches general secretary
- May 8, 2008 [ENI] World Christian leaders urge peace on Israel’s 60th anniversary.
- May 7, 2008 [RNS] Israel’s 60th anniversary a dream realized for some, dashed for others.
- March 2008 Joining Hands Newsletter/Palestine
- March 20, 2008 Stated Clerk among signers of NILI letter to U.S. Secretary of State Rice
- Israel/Palestine
News Archive (1999-present)
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Israel/Palestine Mission Network
The Israel/Palestine Mission Network is among more than 25 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies. |
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