Issue 56 - Spring 2010 Issue 56 • Spring1 2010 CORNERSTONE A Quarterly Publication by Sabeel Ecumenical Center A Word of Faith, Hope and Love From the Heart of Palestinian Suffering Palm Sunday Procession. Mt. of Olives, Mt. of Olives, Procession. Sunday Palm Photo by: Sami Wakileh Sami by: Photo In This Issue The Israeli Occupation The Israeli Occupation and Theological Thinking 1 by and Theological Thinking by Naim Ateek Theology and the Unfolding Tragedy of the 5 by Mary Grey The political and religious background The Sabeel 3rd Ecumenical Clergy Conference 9 The conflict over can be described as aGreek tragedy composed of two Acts. The first Act happened in Reflections on the Palestinian Kairos Document 10 1948 when over three quarters of the land was lost and over by Patriarch Emeritus 750,000 Palestinians (Muslim and Christian) were ethnically Glimpses of our Activities 12-13 cleansed. In fact, 60% of the Christian community was Our Land has a Universal Mission displaced. They were scattered throughout the Middle East Excerpt from the Kairos Document 14 and to the different corners of the globe. The second Act took place in 1967 when the rest of Palestine was occupied by the Ana Falastini Yahudi 16 Israeli army and several hundred thousand Palestinians were by dislocated (both Muslim and Christian). By the time the 2 Issue 56 - Spring 2010 second Act was over the catastrophe of Palestine had become complete. In this article I am focusing briefly on the effect of the Israeli occupation on the Christian community and the response of . The loss of Palestine and the dispersion of the Palestinian Christian community throughout the world created a physical and a spiritual tragedy. In fact the spiritual impact has been no less traumatic than the physical uprooting of the Palestinians. For Muslims and Christians, the loss of Palestine in 1948 was the result of the interplay of world politics among the western powers, the victorious allies of WW2. Although by was of greater significance to God than As for Palestinian Christians with their then had been in existence for worrying about the rights and interests simple honest faith, they continued over 50 years and the British Government of 1.3 million Palestinians who were to trust God and to pray for God’s was already conditioned and influenced the indigenous people of the land. mercy and protection. They prayed by the ideology of Zionism, it was the I must emphasize that most Palestinians for justice that would allow them to impact of the holocaust that facilitated did not have the vaguest idea about return to their homes and businesses. and accelerated the creation of the any religious significance of the They simply waited on God in hope. “Jewish” state. Jewish return. Some might have been Others, especially younger men, wanted rudimentarily aware of the suffering of to do something about it. They joined The religious background and European Jews under the Nazis, but resistance groups that were anxious dilemma such knowledge had no relevance to to reverse the injustice and retrieve From the perspective of most their everyday life. The simple logic Palestine from its captors. Palestinians who were totally unaware for the average Palestinian stated that For those Christians who knew their of some western Christian thinking, British colonialism was being replaced Bible well, it was the most confusing the loss of Palestine seemed an immoral by a Jewish form of colonialism. From time. They were shocked at what and unjust act that was inspired and one angle, there was nothing new in happened. Religious and theological guided by a colonial spirit and western all of this. After all, Palestine has been questions proliferated. These were the political interests. At the same time, occupied and governed by foreign recurring old questions that have been the perspective of some western powers for thousands of years. It was repeated millions of times by oppressed fundamentalist Christians regarding not directly related to religion. It people throughout the centuries. The what ensued was believed to be a divine simply had to do with politics, military new situation in Palestine, now largely act inspired and guided by God. For power, and political interest. Israel, raised questions and demanded these Christians, the creation of Israel answers. In fact it demanded a new was a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. theology, because the old theology for God was active through their political The loss of Palestine Palestinian Christians did not work leaders to bring into fruition his and the dispersion anymore. In light of the establishment purposes for the Jewish people in order of the Palestinian of the new state, the word “Israel” itself to prepare for the Second Coming of Christian community needed a new definition. Is the new Christ and the End of the world. Put throughout the world created a Israel an extension of biblical Israel? sarcastically, such a momentous event physical and a spiritual tragedy. Is the new state really the fulfillment Issue 56 - Spring 2010 3 of biblical prophecy? Does the Bible of the individual but there was seldom have anything to say about what was In the midst of the any discussion about issues of justice happening in the country? Where was oppressive situation, and peace. There was no word about God in all of this? Did God condone the Christian what it meant to be a peacemaker what happened? How can one community was able today, or what the church could do to reconcile what was happening with the to produce a document boldly resist the violence of the occupation justice and goodness of God? Many called, “A Moment of Truth.” and take a stronger stand against the questions were asked but the answers injustice. Indeed, the church’s rituals were few and unsatisfying. and ceremonies continue as usual but After the 1967 occupation of the rest but perhaps the end of religious faith as is the prophetic word missing? Have of Palestine, some of these theological we know it? And what about Christian we neglected the “weightier matters of questions were compounded. As the Zionism that seems to be totally blind the law” as criticized the religious Israeli army clamped down with an to what the government of Israel and leaders of his day, “justice and mercy iron fist and as the occupation became its settler population are doing? Have and faith?” more entrenched, the confiscation they too become totally absorbed by an The years have been rolling by, the of Palestinian land spread, the illegal Old Testament war-ethic that has lost occupation is more entrenched, and settlements multiplied, the settlers the spirit, love, and peace which Jesus the church is hiding behind its liturgy became unruly and fierce, the oppression Christ stood for? and remains lethargically silent. of the Palestinians became noticeably The voice of the church during most The above analysis has described the clear, the situation became helpless of this period was faint. Indeed, church’s situation for most of the and desperate, and the international there were individual voices against previous years. It is, however, important community including the United the injustice and the oppression but to state that since the first intifada three States was unable to pressure the Israeli the collective voice was weak. One important developments have taken government to respect and implement notices that most of the churches of place within the Christian community international law. Again the questions the land seemed to be satisfied with the of the land: were plentiful. celebration of their liturgies and masses How does God see the oppression of on Sundays. However, the sermons that FIRST: The rise of Palestinian the Palestinians? Since religion has were preached, most of the time, had liberation theology. This phenomenon been hijacked by the extremists, what no relevance to people’s daily life. The took on different shapes. Palestinian can one do? Are we witnessing not Bible studies that took place, generally, clergy from Israel and the West Bank -- only the corruption of religious faith, emphasized the private spiritual faith Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant -- began to articulate contextual theologies that addressed the political, social, and religious situation in the country from their position of faith. These theologians emphasized the justice of God as well as God’s inclusive love for all people. They condemned the Israeli occupation and the oppression of the Palestinian people. They condemned both the violence of the occupation as well as the violence of extremist Palestinian groups. At the same time, they emphasized the importance of nonviolence in resisting the illegal occupation. 4 Issue 56 - Spring 2010

Through their books and publications, same time, it addresses people of other Conclusion these theologians have been able to faiths as well as the political situation Looking back at the last 62 years since influence the thinking and theology in the country and more specifically the creation of the state of Israel one can of many people in the world regarding the Israeli government. The document say that the Christian community was the predicament of the Palestinians. considers the occupation a sin and calls slow to address the pertinent questions Moreover, through their exegeses of for the use of nonviolent methods to that had arisen from the aftershock biblical texts from both the Old as well resist it. In fact, this issue of Cornerstone of the loss of Palestine. But many of as the New Testament, they have been is intended to introduce people to this us are thankful to God that in spite of able to critique the exclusive ideology new important document. the sluggish beginning, the faith and and theology of the government of One of the significances of this resilience of the Christians have prompted Israel and its religious settler population document is its ecumenical nature them to raise their voice and to bear an as well as that of . since those who worked on it belonged important testimony before the whole These theologians continue to lift up a in their church membership to the world. Through this document they lift vision of peace and reconciliation that various churches of the land. So it is a the banner of peace and reconciliation, is based on a faith in the God who loves Palestinian Christian voice that seeks to and willingly accept Christ’s call to be all people equally and who wills that all speak truth to power and to witness to peacemakers and commit themselves to the people of the land live together in the possibility of peace with justice. witness to the love and justice of God. peace and harmony. Patriarchs and Heads of Churches SECOND: There was a voice for peace Jerusalem and justice that was heard intermittently in the country that came from a few We hear the cry of our children. bishops. It was not, however, the We, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, hear the cry of concerted voice of all the patriarchs and hope that our children have launched in these difficult times that we still bishops. Neither the Christians in the experience in this Holy Land. We support them and stand by them in their land nor the Israeli government heard a faith, their hope, their love and their vision for the future. We also support the concerted, loud, and clear voice about call to all our faithful as well as to the Israeli and Palestinian Leaders, to the the oppression of the Palestinians and International Community and to the World Churches, in order to accelerate the need to stop it. For various reasons, the achievement of justice, peace and reconciliation in this Holy Land. We rightly or wrongly, the church leaders ask God to bless all our children by giving them more power in order to failed to speak unanimously against contribute effectively in establishing and developing their community, while the injustice and the oppression of the making it a community in love, trust, justice and peace. Palestinians. When they spoke, it was His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox never candid or forthright. His Beatitude Patriarch , Latin Church His Beatitude Patriarch Torkom Manougian, Armenian Orthodox THIRD: Recently, another voice Very Revd Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Custody of the Holy Land is being heard from the Christian H.E. Archbishop Dr Anba Abraham, Coptic community of the land. It is the voice H.E. Archbishop Mar Swerios Malki Murad, Syrian Orthodox of the Document. In H.E. Archbishop Paul Nabil Sayah, Maronite the midst of the oppressive situation, H.E. Archbishop Abba Mathaious, Ethiopian the Christian community was able to H.E. Archbishop Joseph-Jules Zre’i, Greek Catholic produce a document boldly called, “A Bishop Gregor Peter Malki, Syrian Catholic Moment of Truth.” It is a document Bishop Munib A. Younan, Lutheran that speaks primarily to the Christian Bishop Suheil Dawani, Anglican Bishop Raphael Minassian, Armenian Catholic community of the land. It also speaks to Jerusalem – December 15, 2009 Christians and churches abroad. At the Issue 56 - Spring 2010 5

Theology and the Unfolding Tragedy of Palestinians

by Mary Grey the Balfour Declaration in 1917 with devastating consequences for Palestinians. The theological and biblical reaction of Western Churches to the unfolding tragedy Support for Zionism originated in Britain of Palestinians from 1948 onwards has been shamefully slow. Three distinct periods and came from mainstream leaders (like can be discerned: Winston Churchill and Harold Wilson). To some extent this explains, but does not exonerate, the general European support for the founding of the state of Israel and support for the kibbutzim and the Israeli focus on farming the (confiscated) land. For example, the Jewish psychiatrist Bruno Bettelheim’s book, Children of the Dream, portraying the story of the kibbutz in a heroic manner, was a best-seller in the US and UK. The novels of the Auschwitz survivor Eli Wiesel and many other Jewish novelists, highlighting Jewish suffering in the camps, became enduringly popular throughout the period and beyond. Theologically speaking, Christians began to examine their collective conscience as to how anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism had taken such a thorough grip on Christian theology for two thousand years. The Council for Christians and Jews was founded in 1942, by the Chief Rabbi 1. 1948- 1962 escalation of atrocity in the previous ten Joseph H. Hertz and Archbishop William years. At least some of the support for Temple, thus during the war and Nazi Both Western Europe and N. America Zionism (before and after the Holocaust) persecution. The Sisters of Sion changed were in a state of recovery from World and for the State of Israel (after 1948) their original focus from conversion of the War II. Economies had collapsed and derived from anti-Semitism and was Jews, the idea of their founder, to working the industrial base had to be rebuilt. As from anti-Semitic Western leaders for understanding, respect and friendship details of the systematic persecution of who were trying to get rid of European between Christians and Jews. It was a Sister the Jews in the Holocaust/ Shoah became Jews. (Often support for Zionism and of Sion, Charlotte Klein, who would write more widely known, there was collective anti-Semitism went hand in hand). It was a key book exposing anti-Semitism, called horror, guilt, shame and a general sense mainstream British Christian Zionists, Anti-Judaism in Christian Theology. The of the need for repentance at what Europe not only fundamentalist Christians International Fellowship of Reconciliation had inflicted on the Jewish people over like the liberal (and reformist) Prime was also founded at this time, but two thousand years, and especially at the Minister Lloyd George, who were behind reconciliation was then perceived as 6 Issue 56 - Spring 2010 being needed between Germany and the sub-groups of the WCC (for example, that the Jews are now actually rejected by rest of the world. Other groups like the the British Council of Churches) have God.2 Taizé Community in France, founded by been effective on the ground. Equally, The ecumenical movement was weakly Brother Roger Schutz also had the same the World Lutheran Federation, founded supported by the Catholic and Orthodox inspiration, even if all would expand their in Lund Sweden in 1947, has from its Churches, but this would change with the focus. Pax Christi International is an beginnings in the forties been serving Second Vatican Council (1962-65). This outstanding example of this. Beginning the suffering communities of both Jewish acted as a catalyst both for Ecumenism in 1945, in a similar post-war context, it is and Palestinian people. The Augusta (Constitution on Ecumenism 1964), and now active in fifty countries, with activities Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem has played on Interfaith relations (Nostra Aetate). ranging from conflict transformation to a key role. This accompaniment has also Whereas the latter encouraged new intercultural cooperation for peace and more and more included the Palestinian thinking about the Jewish and Muslim is particularly active in connection with Lutheran Churches in Jerusalem, peoples, no document addressed the Palestine. The World Council of Churches Palestine, Jordan and Israel. suffering of the Palestinian people. Yet from its inception in 1948 has continued Yet elements of Christian theology of major achievements were a rethinking of to challenge racism and all forms of the period, both inward looking and the nature of Church and a real engage- apartheid. conservative, clung to replacement ment between the Church and the actual During this period there was little or no theology or ‘supersessionism’. This is social and political contexts, (Gaudium et perception, understanding or action with a view in which the church is seen as Spes), and the encouragement of critical regard to the sufferings of the Palestinians, the ‘new’ Israel, perhaps even the ‘true’ thinking vis-a-vis the Bible. driven from their own land and homes Israel, which means that the promises at the founding of the state of Israel (al in the Bible to the ‘old’ Israel are now 2. 1962- 1989 Nakba). There is some anecdotal evidence transferred to the church. The Jewish from British soldiers and police and others people, according to this view, missed This period is characterised by a new who witnessed the suffering but which their chance as the special people of God openness of church and theology towards did not make its way to mainstream but, like any other person, the offer of the real world, the incipient stirrings of consciousness. Atoning for anti-Semitism, salvation is open to them through Jesus both Liberation and Political Theology. urgently needed, apparently blocked a Christ. For adherents to this view, the The Latin American Bishops had wider perception of the truth, and meant modern state of Israel has no special encountered each other for the first time that this incipient interfaith dialogue could theological significance. It is a state like in Rome at the Second Vatican Council, not operate on the basis of the reality of any other, which happens to be Jewish returned home and at their conference at the situation. Rashid Khalidi called this “a at present, and is called to the same basic Medellin, Columbia 1968, made a shared non-recognition of our national agony,” communal obligations as any other. At commitment to Liberation Theology. 3 writing the Palestinians out of history, its most extreme, replacement theology, The key concepts of Liberation Theology with the names of hundreds of ancestral which has never become the mainstream – solidarity, option for the poor, action villages erased.1 view, has been responsible for the belief from below rather than a “top-down” There was at least some concern and theology, a focus on “base” communities compassion shown especially for refugees. and a complete re-reading of the Bible and The UN was heavily involved in setting Atoning for anti- theology on the basis of these principles, up refugee camps and still is to this day. Semitism, urgently then spread to other continents – to Pius XII, in 1948, wrote an encyclical needed, apparently Africa and Asia - as well as inspiring many called “In Multiplicibus Curis”. In this blocked a wider European and American indigenous document he looked for justice and perception of the truth, movements for social justice. Its outreach peace for Palestinians and organized and aims could never be limited to one and meant that this incipient 4 charities for refugee relief. (Successive interfaith dialogue could not continent. Its methodology influenced popes would also show concern). The operate on the basis of the reality Rosemary Ruether, for example, when she World Council of Churches had shown of the situation. wrote Faith and Fratricide, examining the concern from the beginning. National roots of anti-Semitism in 1974. The first Issue 56 - Spring 2010 7 books on Liberation Theology became There is an increasing anti-apartheid struggle had also rejected widely-known, e.g., Gustavo Gutiérrez, number of Jewish the exodus paradigm. It is vital to see that A Theology of Liberation, 1974. people, who, from the beginning, Liberation Theology Contemporaneously, the Church and confronted with struggled with a diversity of issues like theologians now engaged in justice the suffering of the race, class, sexism, land and a variety of struggles against poverty and economic Palestinian people, long for root causes of poverty. injustice, for example, the “War on Want” the restoration of justice, are Secondly, there is always a fear of being campaign, and more importantly for this convinced that Israel has lost its classed as anti-semitic if anything is said theme, anti-apartheid in S. Africa. New soul, and want a theological way against the Jewish people, a fear that still Christian NGO’s were founded – Christian forward. haunts many contexts. The inability - or Aid, Cafod, Trocaire in Ireland, Misereor unwillingness - to separate widespread in Germany - and Christian Aid would anti-semitic attitudes and prejudices from play a significant role in conscientisation 3. Palestinian Liberation the actions and policies of the Israeli and theological development with regard Theology and the founding of Zionist government is constantly cited as to Palestine. Sabeel, Jerusalem, 1989- to the a pretext for the church’s silence. Thirdly, At the same time as these positive present some argue that there is not a sufficient developments, particularly after the Israeli level of poverty in Palestine/Gaza to form success in the 1967 war, the growth of It is this period that is crucial for the the basis of a Liberation Theology. The Christian Zionism through the American development of Palestinian theologians of response to this takes different forms, Right, followed by other European liberation and social justice. To the readers always asserting the uniqueness of what it countries, has continued to have a of Cornerstone there is no need to stress means to develop a Liberation Theology devastating effect on world consciousness the importance of the first book of Naim in a Palestinian context. as to the rights and oppression of the Ateek, Justice and Only Justice.6 Whereas First, the economic situation of the Palestinians, because of its stress on the his more recent book is important, (as are Palestinians (even in Israel), is on importance of the State of Israel for the other publications of Sabeel, colleagues a downward spiral. Nearly 60% of return of Christ and dawn of the end of Sabeel, plus the resources of all Sabeel Palestinians exist on £1.10 or below a times. This kind of theology is happy Conferences since 1990, and the writings day, which is below the UN defined to turn a blind eye to “tribulation” and of theologians like Pastor in poverty level. This contrasts with 20% oppression as preparing the way to the Bethlehem, Zoughbi Zoughbi- also in in 1998. But poverty is not the worst ultimate victory of Christ. So, despite Bethlehem -Archbishop Elias Chacour, aspect of the situation (which is more the six-day War in 1967, widely covered Jean Zaru , the Quaker theologian based about a bitter oppression of 6 decades), in the western press, and the consequent in Ramallah, Jonathan Kuttab and Munib although it is this aspect that continues driving out of thousands more refugees, Younan), this book is recognized as a to evoke compassionate, humanitarian there was still no widespread sensitivity as ground–breaking book in the establishing responses worldwide. A large range of to the plight of the Palestinians. Sensitivity of theological thinking about Palestine Christian Churches have initiated and to gender issues (Feminist Liberation as a Liberation Theology. But in this supported campaigns of boycotting settler Theology) and the beginnings of an recognition lie both differences and goods, disinvestment, initiated protests ecological liberation theology5 would similarities. and campaigns against the occupation, both come before the rise of Palestinian First, there has been little recognition in the settlements and the security wall, Liberation Theology. At the end of this Latin America of Palestinian theological supported actions for the rights of period we can discern a slow beginning reflection counting as Liberation Theology. Palestinians and tried to import crafts and of a new consciousness, awakening and This is partly because of the uselessness olive oil specifically to support the economy. conversion to what had been going on for here of the Exodus as a paradigmatic The WCC has been active most recently forty years: the oppression and suppression symbol, the most popular symbol in Latin in the Ecumenical Accompaniment of any awareness of the suffering and America; it is precisely the claim to the Programme, sending selected volunteers denial of the rights of Palestinians. land of indigenous Palestinians that is the to Palestinian villages to accompany issue. People need to stay, not to go! The farmers to their farms, children to school, 8 Issue 56 - Spring 2010 and a range of small journeys to hospitals, Zionist lobby and conservative evangelical support the organization, is that it doctors appointments or anywhere that Christians alike. Yet many Christian is a theology with a challenge to all might evoke hostile encounters with communities – globally speaking- still contemporary theology. All theology seeks Israeli soldiers. avoid difficult Old Testament texts, thus reconciliation from a conflict-torn world Many of these actions are inspired and ducking the crucial issue of two peoples to God’s fulfillment for creation. There is supported by Sabeel Liberation Theology claiming the same land. an increasing number of Jewish people, which, to give one example, specifically Secondly, Palestinian Liberation theology, who, confronted with the suffering of the calls for action to oppose corporations (itself inclusive of different interpretations) Palestinian people, long for the restoration who provide products, services or financial stands at the crossroads between a theology of justice, are convinced that Israel has backing to groups that commit violence of social justice and a call for interreligious lost its soul, and want a theological way against innocent civilians, or who provide dialogue and cooperation. Gustavo forward. Increasing numbers of people finances or assist in the construction Gutiérrez, called theology a second act, have made pilgrimages to the Holy of Israel’s separation wall or settlement a reflection on liberating praxis: there is Land, with Sabeel or other organizations, infrastructure. a strong argument in this context that and the experiences of checkpoints Through its theological stance Sabeel has theological and biblical analysis have and Wall have opened eyes and hearts. succeeded in establishing networks of priority here, since the pretext for seizing The invasion of Gaza (2008) is seen by Friends of Sabeel, for example, in the US, ever more tracts of land is made on many as a turning point, particularly in Britain, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and biblical grounds, and because the conflict the US, and there is now a broad social Australia. Sweden, a country which was is an interreligious one. Thus the solution movement pushing change. The tasks are strongly pro-Zionist in the past, manifests must have a basis in three faiths. many, differing according to constituency. strong support. A leading Swedish The third quality of Palestinian Liberation The US has to stop being Israel’s banker; Christian aid organisation, Diakonia is Theology, like that of South Africa, is that that is urgent. Churches have to be true closely associated with Sabeel. it is a theology for peace and reconciliation to their calling to speak out. It has never Several features make this theology alike based on non-violence. This is not a been more important for Sabeel not yet distinct from other types of Liberation passive stance, but an active theology of only to continue to explore the roots of Theology. Whereas, in a Latin American non-violent struggle. The comparison a visionary, prophetic theology of a God context, the biblical texts with a bias to the with Gandhi and with Martin Luther of justice, who wants the wellbeing of poor are called on to critique the powerful, King is well-made. It is a mark of the all peoples, but also to work with peace- here the Bible is called on to critique way Sabeel operates that makes it gather loving Jews to tease out core notions itself. (This was true in South Africa too.) together supporters from across religious of Judaism like election and covenant For example, to counteract the apparent and secular divides, based on this inclusive in a way that brings to birth the reality injunction to possess the land and kill the vision of non-violent reconciliation. of peace and a just sharing of the land. indigenous peoples (for example, the Book Finally, the uniqueness of the theology of Joshua), Naim Ateek calls on alternative emerging from Sabeel, and all who strands of inclusive theology, showing God’s love for all peoples. This is where 1 Rashid Khalidi, “50 Years after 1948: a Universal Jubilee?” in Holy Land, Hollow Jubilee: God, Justice we can begin to discern the effectiveness and the Palestinians, eds., Naim Ateek and Michael Prior, (London: Melisende 1999), p.91. of such a theology. It is especially where 2 Source, Christian Aid, One Land, Many Voices, (London 2002). theologically-nuanced critique of certain 3 This is a commitment that has never been revoked, despite opposition. 4 EATWOT, the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians was founded, and many other groups Biblical texts have been developed (for were added to its number. After a struggle, “the irruption within the irruption”, (Virginia Fabella), women example, through Rosemary and Herman became included. Ruether’s The Wrath of Jonah7), and 5 This happened after the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro, 1992. evoked strong criticism, that Sabeel 6 Orbis 1989. 7 Augsburg 2002. Liberation Theology can be judged as having a strong impact. Naim Ateek’s Mary Grey is a Professorial Research Fellow at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham, London, UK tireless teaching and analysis in the USA and Chair of the Theology Group of FOS UK. She is now part of a new venture, InSpiRe, at St Mary’s. have evoked strong criticism from the InSpiRe is an acronym for Centre for Initiatives in Reconciliation and Spirituality - launched this year. Issue 56 - Spring 2010 9

The Sabeel Third Ecumenical Clergy Conference: Easter “Challenges Facing Today’s Pastors” Blessing February 8-10, 2010 / InterContinental Hotel, Jericho How beautiful is the blossom spilling from the tree, the hidden primrose Sabeel held its third ecumenical clergy presented the Kairos Document and the bluebell conference in Jericho from February 8 (www.kairospalestine.ps) and led a ringing out the new. to 10. Inspired by passages from 1 Peter discussion among the participants He is risen 5: 8-11, and John 10:11-15, the theme about its contents. The recently released he is alive of the conference was “Challenges Kairos Document states, “Palestinian we shall live Facing Today’s Pastors.” More than 60 Christians declare that the military clergy from the Occupied Palestinian occupation of our land is a sin against for evermore. Territories, the Galilee, and Jerusalem God and humanity, and that any The dark winter is past, attended the conference. Lay people theology that legitimizes the occupation the slow, cold, foggy days took part in several sessions. is far from Christian teachings because are over. true Christian theology is a theology of May the warmth On the first day, the participants heard love and solidarity with the oppressed, of your resurrection presentations about the challenges a call to justice and equality among touch our hearts and minds facing the clergy and the church, as well peoples.” Rifat Kassis, coordinator of as the challenges facing the Christian the Kairos Committee, spoke about the as the warmth of the sun family. Following each session, international response to the document. blesses our bodies. participants divided into discussion groups to explore how these subjects Throughout the conference, participants Kate McIlhagga affected their own congregations. In joined together for daily ecumenical the evening, patriarchs and bishops prayer services. The closing session from “Lent and Easter Readings from Jerusalem and throughout the focused on the actions and steps needed from Iona”, Neil Paynter, ed. Holy Land joined the participants for a to face the challenges of the new decade. dinner and informal get-together.

On the second day of the conference, approximately 35 Muslim clerics joined the clergy in focusing on Christian- Muslim relations. The day’s sessions were led by well known Muslim and Christian lecturers. The sessions focused on coexistence and practical ways of cooperation between our communities.

During the last day of the conference, Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah 10 Issue 56 - Spring 2010

Reflections on the Palestinian Kairos Document by His Beatitude Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah

1. This document is the fruit of the reflection of an informal group of Christian Palestinians, lay people and clergy, on the present political situation that affects all aspects of their daily life, lived under Israeli occupation and subject to military oppressive laws. In addition, the World Council of Churches has shared in the reflection. 2. In the introduction, the document among Palestinians, etc ... loved by God. Hence our dealing with gives the basic components of the them must be like our dealing with Christian vision. This vision is “inspired Then follow three sections that describe God their Creator. by the mystery of God’s love for all, the the Christian attitude facing such mystery of God’s divine presence in the reality: faith, hope and love, all of Why is occupation referred to as history of all peoples and, in a particular them concepts that may make no sense a sin? Occupation after a war is way, in the history of our country”. Two to political leaders. For some, these understandable. It remains in effect consequences derive from this assertion: might even be considered as naïve, or until both sides come to reconciliation. first, history is not just a result of acts of hypocritical or even dangerous, since But, in our case, Israeli occupation of humanity, Israeli or Palestinian, but of religion combined with politics may Palestinian Territories has become a God’s Providence as well. Therefore, we bring with it religious fanaticism and permanent situation in which orders have to deal not only with the mistakes, holy war. and laws have been made by the errors or injustices of humans, but with occupier according to its interests, But Christian Palestinian faith together the Providence of God. There is another not necessarily in conformity with the with politics cannot lead to holy war, basic component of this vision which natural law or the human dignity of neither to fanaticism, for this simple is a normal consequence of the first: a the occupied. For example, laws have reason: the truth of a true faith is love. Christian does not lose hope. Though been implemented to transform all It is this faith that overcomes the power humanly speaking our situation is Palestinians from normal residents in of evil by seeing the goodness of God hopeless, and no solution seems to loom their land to foreigners allowed to live in all men alike, including the Israelis on the horizon, our cry is a “cry of hope there, thanks to military documents who impose the occupation, which is in the absence of all hope, a cry full of called Identity Cards. Other laws referred to in the document as “a sin”. prayer and faith in a God ever vigilant”. have been made to render legal the demolition of Palestinian homes or the 3. The first section speaks about the 4. The document affirms that all human confiscation of their lands. Military laws different aspects of the oppressive reality beings are created in the image of God. have been enacted which allow the legal we are living: occupation, separation Despite the evil they may commit, they killing of a Palestinian if Israeli soldiers wall, settlements and settlers, political remain bearers of this divine image. find themselves in the slightest danger prisoners, refugees, inequality and Therefore they are not only seen as an when sent on a mission to pursue the discrimination, internal divisions enemy but also as a person created and Issue 56 - Spring 2010 11

Israeli and the Palestinian. When sin is not individual, but rather structural Prayer (e.g., a social sinful structure, like for Easter Reflections on the Palestinian Kairos Document occupation and the desecration of the human being, under the pretext of Saturday security), then all Churches must do everything they can to put an end to God of all creation – this sinful structure. who cannot be contained by our boundaries 5. This action against occupation is an or our definitions – act of love, love for both sides, for the light from beyond galaxies, sinner (the oppressor) and the victim of sea without a farther shore; the sin (the oppressed). This is expressed you are present in every in the section which speaks about the commandment of love: “love each distinct place, other” and “love the enemy”. Therefore, in every moment of history. Qalandya checkpoint political resistance against occupation You are here and now. is an obligation coming from this same Help us to understand Palestinians in their own territory. Laws commandment. When Jesus said: “love that those from whom we are are made to maintain family separation your enemy”, he did not say: “love the separated in life if for any reason they were separated evil or the sin that is in your enemy”, by distance, by sea and land; at the time of the occupation, making but: “love the human being who is normal natural family life or marriage doing you wrong”, because loving them those from whom we are impossible. All of these laws are sinful you love God their Creator and you separated laws or measures imposed under the liberate them from their sin. True love by difference, by prejudice, pretext of security. has a difficult task: to free the enemy by language, by lack of from the evil within. The occupied has The most significant sinful aspect communication; to help the occupier to be freed from the is to subject a human being created and that those from whom sin of occupation in order to preserve in the image and likeness of God to we are separated in death, the image of God and God’s dignity. conditions of servility and humiliation. This is the meaning of political non- by its long silence, its aching It is enough to simply stand one day violent resistance to occupation. absence – at a checkpoint to see how Palestinians are each of them in your are treated as they pass through, and The document ends with a series of presence; how human dignity is violated. This is appeals to all leaders and people of good the sin of the occupation: to disrespect will, and to the Churches to take every that beyond our horizons, the image of God and the dignity God possible and legal measure that can beyond our boundaries, has given to every human person, to contribute to the end of occupation. beyond our understanding, the Palestinian as well as to the Israeli. With the end of occupation, security, they are in your embrace. justice and peace are guaranteed to all, to When there is a sin harming a human Amen. the Israelis and to the Palestinians alike. being there is also a sinner, and both Jan Sutch Pickard need to be freed from this evil for the sake of their own dignity, equally given to both by God. Therefore, to act against occupation is to act for the His Beatitude Michel Sabbah, Patriarch from “Lent and Easter Readings from Iona”, Neil Paynter, ed. moral and human benefit of both the Emeritus of the Latin Church,Jerusalem. 12 Issue 56 - Spring 2010 Glimpses of Sabeel Activities

Christian clergy and Muslim clerics, participants in the 3rd Ecumenical Sabeel Clergy Conference in Jericho Some of the participants in the Lenten Program during a visit to the Roumanian Church in Jericho with Bishop Atallah Jerusalem Hanna on February 18 2010.

Sixty-seven participants in the Open Forum program discuss the Youth Bible-study group Kairos Document, «A Moment of Truth,» on February 2, 2010. Issue 56 - Spring 2010 13

A Sabeel Christmas gathering at the Church of “Jesus the azareth on a visit to the Adolescent” in N A group of Sabeel youth from N azareth, entertained by singer Mary Menassah. occupied Golan Heights.

Nazareth

Families from visiting the village of Taybeh - a Christian village near Ramallah – where they visited the different churches and factories and learned about its historic and religious significance.

Lecture in Nazareth by His E xcellency Bishop Emeritus Celebrating the 16th anniversary of the establishment of the Butrus Mu’allem about his book, “Inspirations from the Sabeel Nazareth Branch. Olive Trees of Galilee” 14 Issue 56 - Spring 2010

Excerpt from the Kairos Document Our Land has a Universal Mission

2.3 We believe that our land has a reality God’s land: “The earth is the legitimacy to the infringement of our universal mission. In this universality, Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, rights. Thus, the promises, according the meaning of the promises, of the and those who live in it” (Ps. 24:1). to their interpretation, have become land, of the election, of the people a menace to our very existence. The of God open up to include all of 2.3.2 Our presence in this land, as “good news” in the Gospel itself has humanity, starting from all the peoples Christian and Muslim Palestinians, become “a harbinger of death” for us. of this land. In light of the teachings of is not accidental but rather deeply We call on these theologians to deepen the Holy Bible, the promise of the land rooted in the history and geography their reflection on the Word of God has never been a political programme, of this land, resonant with the and to rectify their interpretations so but rather the prelude to complete connectedness of any other people to that they might see in the Word of universal salvation. It was the initiation the land it lives in. It was an injustice God a source of life for all peoples. of the fulfilment of the Kingdom of when we were driven out. The West God on earth. sought to make amends for what 2.3.4 Our connectedness to this Jews had endured in the countries of land is a natural right. It is not an 2.3.1 God sent the patriarchs, the Europe, but it made amends on our ideological or a theological question prophets and the apostles to this account and in our land. They tried only. It is a matter of life and death. land so that they might carry forth a to correct an injustice and the result There are those who do not agree universal mission to the world. Today was a new injustice. with us, even defining us as enemies we constitute three religions in this only because we declare that we want land, Judaism, and Islam. 2.3.3 Furthermore, we know that to live as free people in our land. We Our land is God’s land, as is the case certain theologians in the West try suffer from the occupation of our land with all countries in the world. It is to attach a biblical and theological because we are Palestinians. And as holy inasmuch as God is present in it, Christian Palestinians we suffer from for God alone is holy and sanctifier. the wrong interpretation of some It is the duty of those of us who live theologians. Faced with this, our task here, to respect the will of God for The West sought is to safeguard the Word of God as this land. It is our duty to liberate it to make amends a source of life and not of death, so from the evil of injustice and war. It for what Jews had that “the good news” remains what is God’s land and therefore it must endured in the it is, “good news” for us and for all. be a land of reconciliation, peace and countries of Europe, In face of those who use the Bible to love. This is indeed possible. God has but it made amends on our threaten our existence as Christian put us here as two peoples, and God account and in our land. They and Muslim Palestinians, we renew gives us the capacity, if we have the tried to correct an injustice our faith in God because we know will, to live together and establish and the result was a new that the word of God can not be the in it justice and peace, making it in injustice. source of our destruction. Issue 56 - Spring 2010 15

2.4 Therefore, we declare that any use of the Bible to legitimize or support political options and positions that are based upon injustice, imposed by one person on another, or by one people on another, transform religion into human ideology and strip the Word of God of its holiness, its universality and truth.

2.5 We also declare that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land is a sin against God and humanity because it deprives the Palestinians of their basic human rights, bestowed by God. It distorts the image of God in the Israeli who has become an occupier just as it distorts this image in the Palestinian living under occupation. We declare that any theology, seemingly based on the Bible or on faith or on history, that legitimizes the occupation, is far from Christian teachings, because it calls for violence and holy war in the name of God Almighty, subordinating God to temporary human interests, and distorting the divine image in the human beings living under both political and theological injustice.

Taken from Section 2: A Word of Faith

To read the entire document, go to www.kairospalestine.ps 16 Issue 56 - Spring 2010

Ana Falastini Yehudi: I Am a Palestinian Jew A response given by Dr. Mark Braverman at the Launching of the Palestine Kairos Document in Bethlehem

December 2009

Masa al kheir – good afternoon. Zionist narrative: Israel’s militarism and only path to peace, Christians, across I want to express my gratitude to the expansionism were the price of security. denominations, received my message World Council of Churches for inviting Then I went to the West Bank. I saw warmly and gratefully. But I also found me to participate in this historic the separation wall and knew it was not that many of these same Christians felt and critically important gathering, for defense. I saw the damage inflicted constrained from speaking out, for two to Reverend Mitri Raheb and the by the checkpoints on Palestinian reasons: 1) their sense that the Jewish Bethlehem International Center for life and on the souls and psyches of people were owed a state because of their your hospitality, to the distinguished my Jewish cousins in uniform. I saw history of suffering and 2) their feeling guests and participants assembled the Jewish-only settlements and the of responsibility for having caused that here today, and most of all to you, my restricted roads. I witnessed the vicious suffering. In fact, I discovered that for brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, acts of ideological Jewish settlers. I Christians, a new theology had grown for welcoming me into your midst. learned that the events of 1948, what up after WW II in an effort to reconcile I had been taught to call the War of with the Jews and to atone for the Ana falastini yehudi. Liberation, was for Palestinians the evil of anti-Semitism. This revisionist I am a Palestinian Jew. My grandfather Nakba. As my defenses against the theology exalted the Jews as God’s was born in the Old City of Jerusalem recognition of Israel’s crimes crumbled, chosen and lauded our quest for safety in the year 1900. My prayer is that my fear for my own people grew. It and self determination. In this view, someday, the phrase “Palestinian Jew” grew in proportion to my horror, anger the Jews were no longer condemned to will not sound strange to the ear. It does and sadness over the injustice that was wander the earth. In fact, we had been not sound strange to me. In the short being perpetrated in my name. reinstated as God’s elect — the original time allotted to me I want to talk about covenant between God and Abraham the journey that has brought me here, When I returned home and began to was in force. Christianity’s correction the issue of interfaith dialogue, and my speak about justice for Palestine as the of its historic anti-Judaism is in itself conviction that the path to peace in laudable – but there is a problem with historic Palestine lies in the actions of this new theology: it incorporates a real the global church. estate deal. Christians were now being Christianity’s asked to support the superior right of correction of its As a Jew born in America in 1948, I the Jewish people to the territory of historic anti-Judaism was raised in an amalgam of rabbinic historic Palestine. Judaism and political Zionism. I was is in itself laudable – but there is a problem taught that a miracle had blessed my Examples of this tendency abound with this new theology: it generation and redeemed my people among contemporary Christian incorporates a real estate deal. from the suffering of millennia. Over theologians. James Carroll writes in Christians were now being the years, living for a time in Israel and Constantine’s Sword: “The God of asked to support the superior visiting frequently, I became increasingly Jesus Christ, and therefore of the right of the Jewish people concerned about Israel’s treatment of Church, is the God of Israel. The Jews to the territory of historic the Palestinians and about its illegal remain the chosen people of God. Palestine. settlement activity. Still, I held to the And with this comes the Land.” In a Issue 56 - Spring 2010 17

May 2009 article, John Pawlikowski, a of human rights in the world today. us to do justice for all of creation — progressive Catholic theologian, wrote without preference or particularity. In that the Vatican’s 1993 recognition But this is where we are today, and the words of the Kairos document: “the of the State of Israel was pivotal in here is why the Kairos statement is meaning of the promises, of the land, correcting Christianity’s historic anti- so important. Christians in the West of the election of the people of God [is Judaism. With that act, he wrote, today are in a bind. They are caught to] open up to include all of humanity” “the coffin on displacement/perpetual between the desire to preserve over 60 (emphasis added). It is urgent that wandering theology had been finally years of interfaith reconciliation and my people embrace this fundamental sealed.” I find this an astonishing their mounting awareness that all is not principle. For it is clear to me that argument: recognizing the Jewish state right with the Jewish national homeland Israel has lost its way. We brought to corrects Christian theology! Just as project. To be in such a bind is not the world the teaching of one God, a astonishing, Pawlikowski goes on to comfortable – but the times call for hard God who seizes us by the arm, binds repudiate a core feature of Christianity: choices. Because of the well-intentioned us to his covenant, and demands its spiritualization of the land by and confessionally-based desire to atone justice – but now we are enacting the lifting it out of the original tribal for Christian anti-Judaism, Christians, creed of a tribal God who commands context of the Abrahamic covenant. individually and institutionally, have conquest. We have yielded ourselves In the original Christian revisioning been muzzled from principled criticism up to tribalism and exceptionalism – and this was a revolutionary and of Israel’s human rights violations. in the most profound and destructive critically important development — This is a disaster for Christianity and way. And the evidence is before us: the Jerusalem itself became a symbol of a for world peace. Never before has it checkpoints of Bethlehem, Nablus and new world order in which God’s love been so urgent for Christians to hold Jenin, the blackened olive trees of Bil’in, was available to all of humankind. But fast to their faith in pursuing the clear the empty marketplaces of Hebron, the Pawlikowski was now maintaining social justice imperative of justice for devastation of Gaza, and the evictions that this spiritualization of the land the Palestinian people. The Kairos in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan. was a betrayal of God’s covenant with statement shines the brightest when it the Jews – that it had deprived us of talks about the universal mission of the The Kairos document talks about the our birthright! It was now, therefore, land. Christianity’s spiritualization and unity of the scriptures. Theology too incumbent upon Christians to honor universalization of the land, so clearly should unite, not separate. I am grateful the claim of the Jewish people to the articulated in the document, is the to Naim Ateek for lifting up for me the Holy Land, and indeed to Jerusalem clearest example of how the new faith passage from Ephesians chapter 2 about itself. came to fulfill the prophetic message of humankind united in the household of the Bible. God, with Jesus as the cornerstone of We have to be very concerned about the Temple: this — generations of mainstream This is the theology that must be You are no longer strangers and aliens, but pastors and theologians in the West lifted up today. And this should not you are citizens with the saints and also have been educated in versions of be seen as Christian exceptionalism members of the household of God, built this revised theology. Vigilance or triumphalism. Rather, the faithful upon the foundation of the apostles and against anti-Semitism has trumped Christian witness to the urgent need prophets…In him the whole structure is prophetic opposition to injustice. The for justice for the Palestinian people joined together and grows into a holy Christian impulse for reconciliation represents a challenge to Judaism and temple of the Lord. Ep.2:19-21 has morphed into theological support to the Jewish people. Judaism is the for an anachronistic, ethnic-nationalist faith from which Christianity sprang. We know that it was not a physical ideology that has hijacked Judaism, Universal justice is where Judaism temple nor a city of stone and mortar continues to fuel global conflict, and was always headed in its depiction of that Paul was describing. But the has produced one of the most egregious, a God who brought the Jewish people new “interfaith” theology represents a systematic and longstanding violations out of slavery. This same God requires U-turn: a turning back from the vision 18 Issue 56 - Spring 2010 of a single community of humankind must turn away from our history of united in pursuit of social justice. suffering and dedicate ourselves instead It affirms not a universal vocation to a process of reformation in which we for the land, but an idolatry of land purge ourselves of the exceptionalism possession. It reaffirms particularism and triumphalism that has brought us and the election of the Jews – going so to this perilous pass. far as to say that God always intended, I know that for Christians in the U.S. through his grace, to fulfill his goal for today, taking this prophetic stance puts humankind through the election of the the interfaith reconciliation work of Jews. This can be argued theologically, decades at risk. Professional, personal but the question is what is the use that and family relationships are on the line. is being made of this theology today? That is painful and that is hard. But And the answer is – stated bluntly — as Walter Brueggemann reminds us, this theology is being promoted as a the prophetic requires us to deal with guilt offering, to help make Christians the full range of emotions, especially comfortable with the more than “The judgment of those we want to avoid — sadness uncomfortable reality of the human God is upon the and grief chief among them. Only by rights abuses of the State of Israel. But church as never acknowledging what has been broken I have found that Christians are not before. If today’s can we be open to the new. comfortable with the actions of the church does not State of Israel. They know what is right recapture the sacrificial spirit I close with words from the final book and what they are called to do about of the early church, it will of the Bible, words that stirringly call on the injustice they see before them. lose its authenticity, forfeit us to commit ourselves to the work we The church is poised to fulfill its the loyalty of millions, and have gathered here today to undertake, calling, as it did against Apartheid on be dismissed as an irrelevant united in hope and in faith: a global basis and as it did in the U.S. social club with no meaning...” against the institutionalized racism of I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the Jim Crow segregation. Engaging in the first heaven and the first earth had passed struggle for justice in historic Palestine away, and the sea was no more. And I saw is the most important thing that the What is needed to bring peace to the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming church, on a global basis, can do today. this land is not negotiations between down out of heaven from God, prepared Gathered here today in support of this politicians but a broad, global social as a bride adorned for her husband. And I historic document, we call to mind the movement that will change the political heard a loud voice from the throne saying, words of Reverend Martin Luther King, wind. And it is in the church that this ‘See, the home of God is among mortals. responding to his fellow clergymen who movement will be initiated, led, and He will dwell with them...’ as their God; were urging him to delay his plans for grow in strength. You are here – wide, they will be his peoples, and nonviolent resistance: deep, strong, organized — with the God himself will be with them; scriptures pointing you directly to the And the one who was seated on the throne “The judgment of God is upon the divine imperative to do justice. And said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ church as never before. If today’s we Jews, who have suffered too long, Rev. 21:1-3,5 church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose Mark Braverman, a clinical psychologist, now devotes himself full-time to the cause for its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty peace in historic Palestine. He serves on the advisory board of Friends of Sabeel North of millions, and be dismissed as an America and on the Board of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions-USA. irrelevant social club with no meaning He is the author of Fatal Embrace: Christians, Jews, and the Search for Peace in the for the twentieth century.” Holy Land. Information and additional writing at www.markbraverman.org. Issue 56 - Spring 2010 19

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Purpose Statement Sabeel

Sabeel is an ecumenical grassroots liberation theology ofSabeel also works to promote a more accurate international movement among Palestinian Christians. Inspired by the awareness regarding the identity, presence, and witness of life and teaching of Jesus Christ, this liberation theology Palestinian Christians as well as their contemporary concerns. seeks to deepen the faith of Palestinian Christians, promote It encourages individuals and groups from around the world unity among them, and lead them to act for justice and love. to work for a just, comprehensive, and enduring peace Sabeel strives to develop a spirituality based on justice, peace, informed by truth and empowered by prayer and action. non-violence, liberation, and reconciliation for the different national and faith communities. The word ‘Sabeel’ is Arabic For more information on Friends of Sabeel groups in your for ‘the way’ and also a ‘channel’ or ‘spring’ of life-giving area please contact our international representatives or the water. Sabeel Center in Jerusalem.