A184: Peace and Justice in Palestine and Israel (carried)
Download resolution A184-R2
Subject: Peace and Justice in Palestine and Israel
Moved by the Rt. Rev. Michael Ingham, diocese of New Westminster
Seconded by the Ven. Peter John Hobbs, diocese of Ottawa
Be it resolved that this General Synod:
Expresses its commitment to the pursuit of peace with justice for all in Palestine and Israel, and:
1. Commit the Anglican Church of Canada through the Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee
a. to review documents endorsed by church and interfaith dialogue partners on the status of Jerusalem and other issues which confront the Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths in Palestine and Israel, and
b. to commend them to members of the Anglican Church of Canada for examination and reflection for the benefit of mutual respect and understanding.
2. Request the General Secretary to write to the Prime Minister of Canada,
a. Reiterating the Anglican Church of Canada’s established policy, which:
i. Calls for a comprehensive and lasting peace with justice in Palestine and Israel
ii. Recognizes the legitimate aspirations, rights and needs of Israelis and Palestinians to live within sovereign and secure borders
iii. Condemns the use of violence of all kinds, especially against civilians
iv. Requests the implementation of UN resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 194 (1948)
v. Calls for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian Territories and the end of illegal Israeli settlements
vi. Calls Israel, as an occupying power, to respect the 4th Geneva Convention
vii. Requests measures by the Palestinian Authority to reduce poverty and unemployment, and to improve services to Palestinians
viii. Recognizes the city of Jerusalem as a shared holy place for Christians, Muslims and Jews
ix. Recognizes the need for trade between Palestine and Canada, and
b. Asking the Government to Canada to take a more constructive and active lead in creating conditions for peace, including the end of the boycott of supplies and services to Palestinian Territories, and policy and aid in support Palestinian infrastructure and economy.
3. Request the Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee to equip Canadian Anglicans to work locally for peace with justice in Palestine and Israel in conjunction with ecumenical and interfaith organizations.
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 to examine new realities and issues and add depth to ongoing commitments of partnership in mission and justice.
- Efforts to reach peace in Palestine and Israel have been of central importance in the Canadian churches’ longstanding partnerships with Christian, Muslim and Jewish organizations in Israel and Palestine. In prayer, worship resources, statements, policies and advocacy initiatives, the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Anglican Communion, has taken the voice, stories and analysis of the Diocese of Jerusalem as a primary point of reference.
- The Anglican Consultative Council 14 adopted the following resolution, forwarded by the Anglican Peace and Justice Network:
Resolution 14.26: Middle East (from APJN)
Resolved, 09.05.09
The Anglican Consultative Council meeting in Kingston, Jamaica between May 2-12, 2009, in response to the challenge in a sermon on May 3, 2009, of the Archbishop of Canterbury to be a people of hope to those in need of justice, forgiveness and reconciliation,
a. deplores violence wherever it is used in conflict in the land of Israel/Palestine and affirms its desire that a robust peace process in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict leading to a two state solution should be pursued by all parties without delay
b. expresses its deep concern about recent and continuing events in Gaza, and supports and draws attention to the ‘Statement on the situation in Gaza’ issued by the February 2009 Primates meeting.
c. laments the fact that current Israeli policies in relation to the West Bank, in contravention of UN Security Council resolutions, have created severe hardship for many Palestinians and have been experienced as a physical form of apartheid.
d. noting that a just peace must guarantee the security and territorial integrity of both Israel and the future state of Palestine so that all the people of the area can live in peace and prosperity, applauds President Barack Obama for his commitment to work for a just peace for both Palestinians and Israelis, and calls on him and all governments of the Middle East to work in co-operation with the United Nations for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel as defined by UN Security Council Resolutions,
e. welcomes the Arab League statements which indicate a readiness to make peace with the state of Israel, the resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the normalization of relations, and calls on the Israeli government to respond favourably to the Arab proposal in an effort to end all forms of belligerence on the basis of international law.
f. calls on Israel to
i. end its occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
ii. freeze immediately all settlement building with the intention to abandon its settlement policy in preparation for a Palestinian state
iii. remove the separation barrier (wall) where it violates Palestinian land beyond the Green Line
iv. end home demolitions, and
v. close checkpoints in the Palestinian territories.
g. recognising that the city of Jerusalem is holy to Christianity, Islam and Judaism and is not therefore the monopoly of any one religion, upholds the view that members of all three faith groups should have free access to their holy sites.
h. calls on all people of faith and good will to pray and work for peace so that justice and reconciliation may be achieved for all the people of Palestine and Israel.