In a move that has stirred significant debate, a group of Christian leaders has unveiled a declaration challenging a contentious document from the Palestinian Christian movement, Kairos Palestine. The Church of England’s decision to engage with this document has attracted criticism from various quarters, notably from Jewish leaders.
Opposition to Kairos II
The “Declaration Against Kairos II” urges Christians globally to dismiss the theological perspectives put forth by the Kairos II document, which depicts Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and labels it a colonial, apartheid state. This has been met with strong opposition, particularly from the Jewish community, leading to a call for Christians to voice their disagreement by signing the declaration.
The coalition opposing the document has criticized it for its “inaccurate, one-sided, and dangerous rhetoric.” They argue that the document fails to recognize the complexities of the region’s conflicts and unjustly accuses Israel of genocide.
Church of England’s Stance
The General Synod of the Church of England, meeting in York, opted to “hear” Kairos II rather than fully endorse it. Despite assurances from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, that this does not imply agreement with all its contents, the decision has been contentious.
Regan King, a pastor from London instrumental in the declaration, expressed astonishment at this decision, emphasizing a perceived deviation from the Church’s historical support for Jewish communities. The declaration highlights the enduring biblical covenant with the Jewish people and asserts Israel’s right to defend itself.
Reactions from Jewish Leaders
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis strongly opposed the engagement with Kairos II, describing it as “political activism dressed up as theology.” He warned that such engagement could damage Jewish-Christian relations and criticized the document for rejecting dialogue and undermining peace efforts in the region.
Rabbi Mirvis stated, “This is a document full of falsehood, which openly rejects dialogue, uses extreme rhetoric to challenge the very existence of Israel and objects to existing peace agreements in the region.”
Support for the Declaration
Notable figures supporting the Declaration Against Kairos II include Anglican theologian Ian Paul, who raised concerns during the Synod debate, questioning the Church’s approach to the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Other signatories include Rev Hayley Ace, spokesperson for Christian Action Against Antisemitism, and Dr Juergen Buehler, President of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.
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?” His concerns echo the broader criticism that the Synod’s current stance may be one-sided.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
