A recent development has stirred the Christian community as a group of pastors, theologians, and lay leaders have publicly opposed the Church of England’s decision to engage with a contentious Palestinian Christian text. This declaration comes amidst significant controversy, primarily fueled by the document’s portrayal of Israel.
The document in question, titled “Declaration Against Kairos II”, urges Christians to dismiss what it terms as theological misrepresentations that could harm relationships between Christians and Jews. The call to action extends to Christians globally, inviting them to endorse this declaration.
This initiative counters a Palestinian Christian document known as “A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide,” or Kairos II, by the movement Kairos Palestine. The document accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, labeling it as a colonial, apartheid state, which has sparked intense debate.
Critics of Kairos II, including the opposing coalition, describe its rhetoric as “inaccurate, one-sided, and dangerous,” arguing that it fails to address the complex realities of the region effectively.
The coalition states, “Upon reading and consideration, we simply cannot receive Kairos II or endorse any hearing of it in a Christian context, and we explicitly reject it and denounce the same.”
They emphasize the Bible’s commandment, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour” (Exodus 20.16), suggesting that Kairos II misrepresents the situation in Gaza and the broader region, known as Judea and Samaria or the West Bank.
Furthermore, it accuses the document of using inflammatory language and rationalizing acts of terror committed by Palestinian factions on October 7, 2023.
Despite opposition from Jewish leaders, the Church of England’s General Synod, meeting in York, voted to “hear” the document. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, clarified that “hearing” the document does not imply agreement with its contents.
Regan King, a pastor from London, expressed surprise at the decision, noting that it diverged from the Church of England’s historical support for Jewish communities.
The Declaration Against Kairos II underlines the enduring biblical covenant with the Jewish people and affirms Israel’s right to self-defense. It opposes theological perspectives that justify attacks on Israel or deny Jewish historical ties to the land.
King stated, “The Church has a responsibility to speak truthfully, biblically and with humility. We grieve the immense suffering that is ongoing in the Holy Land.”
He further commented on the importance of rejecting narratives that question Israel’s legitimacy, especially during a time of increasing antisemitism.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis urged the Synod to reject the Kairos II document, labeling it as “little more than political activism dressed up as theology” and warning of its potential to harm Christian-Jewish relations.
He criticized the Synod’s engagement with the document, describing it as “shameful” and a hindrance to peace by promoting a singular, distorted narrative of the conflict.
Among the signatories of the Declaration Against Kairos II is Anglican theologian Ian Paul, who raised critical questions during the Synod debate about the one-sided nature of the discourse.
Paul questioned, “How can we claim to speak for ‘a just and lasting peace’, when we are listening to the pain of one side only in this complex, contested conflict…?”
Other notable signatories include Rev Hayley Ace, a spokesperson for Christian Action Against Antisemitism, and Dr. Juergen Buehler, President of International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
