Anglican Parliament Approves Palestinian Manifesto Denying Israel’s Legitimacy

The General Synod of the Church of England has voted to “hear” rather than “receive” the Kairos II manifesto, a document that explicitly denies the legitimacy of Israel and criticizes Christian Zionism. Published by Kairos Palestine in November 2025, the 14-page manifesto condemns Jewish self-determination as “settler colonialism” and labels the Israeli State as an “apartheid system built on Jewish supremacy” based on Israel’s Nation-State Law.
Despite its linguistic amendment to avoid formally endorsing the document, the Synod’s action effectively gives it significant weight within the Anglican Communion. Kairos II further describes the Balfour Declaration as a “historic injustice” and portrays Christian Zionism as a “theology of racism, colonialism, and ethnic supremacy.” The text accuses supporters of Israel of collaborating with a “racist god of war and ethnic cleansing,” while framing the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks as a response to perceived historical injustices starting from 1948.
The vote occurred despite notable objections. Jewish leaders, including Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, voiced strong concerns beforehand. Mirvis stated the manifesto presents a “one-sided account of a complex conflict, downplays the historical experiences and legitimate concerns of Jewish people, and offers little more than political activism dressed up as theology.” He added that it contains “so much falsehood” and urged rejection.
The motion passed with 25 bishops, 115 clergy, and 113 laypeople voting in favor, while 20 clerics and 27 laity opposed it. Twenty clerics and 27 laity voted against the motion, and five bishops, 30 clergy, and 35 laity abstained. The endorsement has raised concerns about the potential for antisemitic interpretations within the Christian community, given its focus on Israel’s alleged flaws and its justification of violence against Jewish settlements.

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