The Church of England adopts motion to engage with Palestinian Christian voices and review investments in light of ICJ advisory opinion

The General Synod of the Church of England has taken a significant step by committing to engage seriously with major statements and appeals by Palestinian Christians, including Kairos Palestine II, a document co-authored by the writer. The Synod also called for a review of Church investments in light of the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and urged renewed efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

The motion was adopted by an overwhelming majority of the Synod’s bishops, clergy, and laity. This decision signals an important shift in the Church of England’s engagement with Palestinian Christian voices and reflects a broader willingness to consider the realities of the Holy Land. It aligns with a growing recognition of the need for truth, justice, and peace in the region.

Unsurprisingly, the decision was strongly criticized by several pro-Israel organizations and leaders in the United Kingdom and beyond, most notably the Board of Deputies of British Jews. Much of the criticism followed familiar lines, accusing the Church of enabling anti-Semitism or damaging Christian-Jewish relations because of its willingness to engage with documents that speak about Israeli policies in stark terms.

Such tactics have become increasingly unconvincing. They ignore the growing diversity of opinion – including among Jewish communities – about what is taking place in Gaza. They also risk undermining genuine efforts to confront anti-Semitism in Britain and Europe by confusing hostility towards Jewish people with legitimate criticism of a state and its policies.

What is even more disturbing is that the Board’s response appears to express greater outrage over the Church of England’s decision to listen to Palestinian Christians than over the catastrophic suffering unfolding in Gaza. The Synod did not adopt or endorse the Kairos documents. It simply resolved to hear them and engage with them seriously. That such a modest decision should provoke such fierce opposition raises profound questions about the Board’s moral priorities. It appears more concerned with policing the language of the Church than with confronting the reality of the genocide itself.

Equally troubling is the patronising reference to the “pain” of Palestinian Christians. We are not merely expressing pain or sharing personal feelings. We are bearing witness to a documented reality. The Church of England’s decision reflects a commitment to listen, to learn, and to act in accordance with the principles of justice and mercy. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, we are to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.

Source: Read the original report