A183: Strengthening Partnership with Diocese of Jerusalem (carried)
Download resolution A183-R1
Subject: Strengthening Partnership with Diocese of Jerusalem
Moved by the Rt. Rev. John Chapman, diocese of Ottawa
Seconded by the Ven. Ronald Harrison, diocese of New Westminster
Be it resolved that this General Synod:
1. In thanksgiving for the long partnership of the Anglican Church of Canada with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, commit the Anglican Church of Canada to:
a. Pray for peace, calling on Canadian Anglicans to:
i. pray regularly for the diocese of Jerusalem and for Christians in the Land of the Holy One, and for peace for all people in Palestine and Israel
ii. designate one Sunday a year for prayers. (According to the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, Jerusalem is particularly remembered on Palm Sunday.)
b. Educate for peace, encouraging Canadian Anglicans to:
i. study the history and current events of the land of the diocese of Jerusalem, including Jerusalem, Palestine, Gaza, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria
ii. post links on parish and diocesan websites to Anglican Church of Canada, KAIROS, Anglican Communion, World Council of Churches and Diocese of Jerusalem websites
iii. host and/or participate in at least one event a year to discuss and learn about realities and issues of Palestinian and Arab Christians in the Middle East, in partnership with ELCIC events as possible
iv. enable Canadian distribution of Palestinian products and services.
c. Strengthen relationships for peace by:
i. supporting the formation of national network of Canadian Companions of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
ii. broadening the profile of St. George’s College Jerusalem, in collaboration with the North American Regional Council of St. George’s College
iii. inviting financial and other forms of support from Canadian Anglicans for the health care, educational, and interfaith ministries of the diocese.
iv. fostering links with the Diocese of Jerusalem through the Theological Students International Internship Program, Volunteers in Mission, and the new companionship between the dioceses of Jerusalem and Ottawa
v. promoting Canadian Anglican group visits to Land of the Holy One in cooperation with the diocese of Jerusalem and Christian tour guides
2. And:
a. Request the Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee to provide information, guidelines, and resources for parishes and dioceses to participate in multi-faith dialogues in their own communities; and
b. Request the Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee to develop a resource for Canadian Anglican pilgrims to the region.
Source: Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee
Submitted by:
Does this motion contain within it any financial implications? Yes √ No
If yes, has the General Synod Expenditures Committee considered the implications? Yes No
EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Anglican Church of Canada and the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem have been companions in mission for many years – a relationship strengthened by pilgrimages, consultations, study groups, and work together on issues of shared concern. This resolution is intended affirm and add depth to ongoing commitments of partnership in mission and ecojustice.
Efforts to reach peace with justice in Palestine and Israel have been of central importance in the churches’ partnership. In prayer, worship resources, statements, policies and advocacy initiatives, the Anglican Church of Canada, as with other partners in the Anglican Communion, has taken the voice, stories and analysis of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem as its primary point of reference.
With deepening despair, Palestinian and Israeli Arab Christians continue to leave the land of their birth and faith. They express a sense of a sense of isolation in struggling to continue mission and witness in the Land of the Holy One today. The ongoing erosion of societal infrastructure, economy and land has hindered Diocese of Jerusalem clergy and staff in their work, and left a great financial burden.
In August 2009, in partial fulfillment of General Synod 2007 Resolution A212, Primate Fred Hiltz visited the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem as guest of The Rt. Rev. Suheil Dawani, Bishop, and Mrs. Shafeeqa Dawani. Over the course of 10 days in Jerusalem, West Bank, Gaza and Israel, the Primate met many diocesan personnel, visited numerous schools, clinics and hospitals including St. George’s College, Jerusalem and St. Luke’s Hospital, Nablus, worshipped in local churches and walked amidst other pilgrims upon holy sites. In consultation together, Primate Fred and Bishop Suheil agreed to work toward stronger and deeper partnership between the peoples and ministries of their churches.
There is an ongoing need within the Anglican Church of Canada for informed discussion of the history and current issues vital to the peoples who inhabit the lands served by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, including Jerusalem, West Bank, Gaza, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. There is ongoing need for Canadian Anglicans to know their own church’s history and current context of discussion and policy on the Middle East pertaining to Palestine and Israel. There is need for resources to enable Canadian dioceses and parishes to pray with the diocese of Jerusalem, all Christians and peoples of faith for peace with justice in Palestine and Israel. There is need for stronger personal links between Canadian Anglicans and Palestinian and Israeli Arab Episcopalians and Christians.