Archbishop of Canterbury Faces Tensions with Jewish Community Over Controversial Document
(Photo: Lambeth Palace)
Following a contentious decision by the Church of England’s General Synod to “hear” a divisive document known as Kairos II, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, engaged in discussions with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis at Lambeth Palace. The dialogue aimed at addressing the resulting strain with the Jewish community.
Archbishop Mullally expressed her appreciation for the meeting, stating it allowed for “an honest conversation about events of the past few weeks”. She acknowledged the Jewish community’s profound connection to Israel and voiced her sorrow over the distress caused by the Synod’s stance.
The Archbishop emphasized the necessity of safety and dignity for all individuals impacted by the ongoing conflict, asserting, “every person – Christian, Jewish and Muslim; Palestinian and Israeli – deserves to live in safety, dignity and peace.” She also pledged continued prayers for Palestinian Christians and solidarity with British Jews during a time she described as “fragility and fear”.
She noted the widespread impact of Middle Eastern violence on those in the UK connected by faith, family, or heritage, acknowledging the increased difficulty of communication but highlighting its importance.
“The terrible violence, destruction and suffering in the Middle East have been deeply felt in this country by everyone who is connected to Israel and Palestine – whether by faith, family or heritage,” she said.
The Archbishop reiterated the Church of England’s commitment to valuing and protecting all faiths within the national community, emphasizing her “duty and privilege to extend the hand of friendship and partnership to every faith community”.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, in his statement, described the meeting as a “comprehensive discussion” centered on the Synod’s choice to engage with the Kairos II document, which he criticized for its “alarming and appalling elements”.
He voiced the Jewish community’s deep pain over what he termed the Synod’s “most deplorable decision” and emphasized the need for the Church to mend the rift caused in Christian-Jewish relations. Rabbi Mirvis had previously urged the Synod to dismiss the document, criticizing it as “political activism dressed up as theology”.
The Synod, which convened in York, opted to “hear” the document, a text from Kairos Palestine that labels Israel’s military actions in Gaza as genocide and describes the nation as a colonial, apartheid state. The decision was made despite Rabbi Mirvis’s warnings and opposition.
Following the decision, a coalition of pastors, theologians, and lay leaders released a “Declaration Against Kairos II”, condemning it for “inaccurate, one-sided, and dangerous rhetoric”. Regan King, a London pastor involved in this declaration, remarked on the Church’s historical support for Jewish people, expressing incredulity at the Synod’s choice.
Anglican theologian Ian Paul and other opponents raised concerns about the exclusion of various voices, questioning the Church’s commitment to a “just and lasting peace” if it selectively engages with narratives that challenge Israel’s legitimacy.
The declaration criticizing Kairos II was signed by numerous religious leaders, including Rev Hayley Ace and Dr Juergen Buehler, underscoring the broader discontent within the Church regarding the document’s implications.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
