Annual conferences vote to support Palestinians
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, calls us to be agents of peace with justice. How we treat each other is at the core of Christ's call to us. How and where we spend our money is a part of this call.
Israel and Palestine are in the midst of a decades-long crisis.
The conflict has a long and complicated history. Israel has been an occupying power in the territories for 50 years.
This occupation has taken the shape of expanding settlements, the restriction of water rights, homes being demolished, and Palestinian civilians being forced to relocate.
We worship a God who stands on the side of the oppressed, who calls us to set the prisoners free.
The United Methodist Church, therefore, calls for an end to the Israeli occupation. (Book of Resolutions, 6111) We call for a nonviolent, inclusive move toward a two-state solution. (Book of Resolutions, 6114). We also recognize that how we spend our money is also important, and call for boycotting Israeli companies operating in the occupied territories. (Book of Resolutions, 6111)
United Methodists gathered for annual conferences over the last few months. They discussed many things, including resolutions aimed at addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict.
According to United Methodists for Kairos Response, “Twenty-three resolutions from fifteen regional church bodies in 2017 also denounce abuse of Palestinian children under the Israeli occupation; support the international HP Boycott, encourage investment in church equities fund that screens occupation-complicit companies, and promote responsible tourism in the Holy Land.”
You can read more about the resolutions here. Click here to learn more about the United Methodist response to ongoing conflicts around the world.
