Firm reports Israeli government funds geofencing campaign targeting U.S. churches

Worshippers at several United Methodist congregations in Texas may soon be targeted with propaganda from a foreign government attempting to bolster its support among U.S. Christians. A Sept. 26 filing under the Foreign Agents Registration Act revealed that the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is paying a self-described “Christian-based marketing and communications firm” more than $3 million to use geofencing technology. This method identifies the mobile devices of people inside hundreds of large churches in the western United States, with the goal of flooding those devices with messages designed to “combat low American Evangelical Christian approval of the Nation of Israel” and “increase awareness of Palestinian ties to Hamas and support for terrorism.”

Geofencing has long been used by corporations to target audiences based on location data, enabling marketers to trigger texts, in-app notifications, and mobile ads when users enter specific physical boundaries. The Israeli government’s use of this technology raises questions about the intent and ethical implications of leveraging religious institutions for political messaging. The United Methodist Church, which has a presence in all the targeted states, officially supports the continuing existence of the Jewish people and their covenant with God, Palestinian self-determination, and Israel’s right to exist. These positions were affirmed by the denomination’s General Conference, the only body that officially speaks for the denomination.

The United Methodist Church’s stance on the Middle East is outlined in its Book of Resolutions, which acknowledges the complexity and pain of the controversies involving Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The church recognizes the theological significance of the Holy Land for the Jewish people and its historic and contemporary importance for Christians and Muslims. The denomination emphasizes the need for justice, human rights, and the pursuit of peace in the region, while remaining mindful of the deep spiritual and historical connections tied to the land.

The campaign, coordinated by Show Faith by Works, a Riverside, California-based corporation formed earlier this year, is described as “the largest Christian Church Geofencing Campaign in U.S. History.” Initially targeting Arizona, California, and Colorado, the campaign sought additional funds to expand to Texas, where United Methodist congregations are present. The firm’s filing lists specific Texas churches as part of the targeted outreach, raising concerns about the use of religious institutions for political and ideological purposes.

This development highlights the intersection of religious freedom, political influence, and the ethical responsibilities of churches in the public sphere. As the United Methodist Church continues to navigate its position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, the use of geofencing technology by a foreign government underscores the challenges of maintaining neutrality while engaging with complex geopolitical issues. The church’s commitment to justice and peace remains central to its mission, even as it faces pressures from external actors seeking to shape public opinion through digital means.

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