Debate on Controversial Kairos Palestine II Document at Church Synod

The Church of England’s General Synod will soon engage in a significant debate over whether to officially accept the “Kairos Palestine II” document. This statement from Palestinian Christians regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has sparked considerable controversy, especially among Jewish leaders and some theologians.

The document controversially claims, “The genocidal war on Gaza is the continuation of the Zionist project to seize all of Palestine, emptied of its Palestinian people.” It advocates for solidarity with Palestinian Christians in peaceful resistance to Israeli occupation while also addressing the issues of antisemitism and anti-Muslim sentiment, and mourning the loss of life on both sides.

Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Britain’s Chief Rabbi, has voiced strong criticism against the document. He argues that it offers a biased view of the conflict and diminishes the Jewish historical perspective. According to Sir Ephraim, this document is essentially political activism in theological guise, which could jeopardize decades of Christian-Jewish relations.

Sir Ephraim commented: “The content of Kairos II is deeply concerning and I would hope the Synod will see it for what it is. While it is important to recognise the suffering of Palestinian Christians, this document does so in a way which can only harm the cause of peace.”

The Board of Deputies of British Jews has also released a briefing opposing the document, labeling its core assertion—that Zionism is a settler-colonial movement grounded in Jewish supremacy—as false and harmful. They caution that the document’s circulation could exacerbate conflicts rather than foster peace.

The briefing states, “If this motion is implemented, it will have immediate harmful consequences for British Jews and do potentially lasting harm to Jewish-Christian relations.”

Theologian Ian Paul, in his blog post, questioned the motion’s premise that Palestinian resistance is non-violent, noting past associations of some Palestinian Christians with militant groups. He also criticized the use of terms like ‘genocide’ and ‘occupation’ in the document.

Paul wrote, “The motion either lacks any historical awareness, or is functioning as propaganda for one side of this complex and contested issue.”

The Churches Ministry Amongst the Jews (CMJ) has expressed concern over the lack of diverse Christian perspectives in the discussion, warning that this bias could hinder Jewish-Christian relations.

Commentator Nicole Lampert, writing in The Telegraph, condemned Kairos II as “one of the most appalling pieces of contemporary antisemitic propaganda in modern Christian history.”

A Church of England spokesperson stated that the motion is brought to the General Synod following a vote at the Carlisle Diocesan Synod and encouraged members to familiarize themselves with relevant definitions and guidelines on antisemitism and anti-Muslim hostility prior to the debate.