Church of England’s Synod Decision Sparks Concerns Over Antisemitism
The Church of England’s General Synod has faced backlash following its decision to “hear” a controversial pro-Palestinian document, raising fears of escalating antisemitism in the UK. Bishop Philip North of Blackburn has expressed his concerns, describing the move as “deeply unwise.”
In an interview with The Telegraph, Bishop North highlighted the anxiety among Jews in Lancashire, who are experiencing “existential fears for their future in this nation.” He believes that the Synod’s engagement with the Kairos II document will contribute to the “growing tide of anti-Semitism in our country.”
Describing the situation, Bishop North pointed to “an enormous, very complex, overlapping set of Muslim communities” in his area, unified in their criticism of Israel and showing “a really visceral, intense antipathy” towards the state.
While the motion has been welcomed by Palestinian Muslims and Christians, Bishop North warns that it could be seen as a betrayal by the Jewish community. He noted, “We’ve been forced to take a binary position, and whatever binary position we take, one side celebrates and the other feels bitterly betrayed.”
The Synod’s decision to “hear” rather than “receive” the document was meant to indicate engagement without full agreement. However, Bishop North cautions that this subtlety is likely to be lost outside the Synod’s chambers, especially in areas like Lancashire where tensions are high.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis criticized the Church’s decision, labeling it “shameful” and arguing that Kairos II is “a document full of falsehood,” which undermines peace efforts by using “extreme rhetoric” against Israel.
Kairos II has faced condemnation for its portrayal of Israel as a colonial, apartheid state and its description of Israeli actions in Gaza as “genocide.”
Anglican commentator Giles Fraser, writing in the Jewish Chronicle, called the Synod’s debate and vote a “disgrace,” urging members to “hang their heads in shame.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews warned that the motion could have “immediate harmful consequences” for British Jews and damage Jewish-Christian relations. It stated, “The Kairos documents, especially Kairos II, spread a toxic narrative about Jews.”
In response, a coalition of Christians has launched a “Declaration Against Kairos II,” criticizing the document’s “inaccurate, one-sided, and dangerous rhetoric.” They argue that it fails to address the root causes of conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.
Signatories of the declaration include notable figures such as London pastor Regan King, Anglican theologian Ian Paul, and Rev Hayley Ace of Christian Action Against Antisemitism.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
