From Geneva to Bethlehem and across the world, the World Council of Churches World Week of Peace in Israel and Palestine inspired gatherings for prayer, reflection and action last week.
Stakeholders, ecumenical partners and staff of the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel are gathered at the annual meeting 27-31 March this week in Geneva to nurture and strengthen a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis.
In a statement following Israeli authorities’ detention, interrogation and deportation of the World Council of Churches Associate General Secretary Prof Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri upon arrival in Tel Aviv, the WCC ”deeply regrets the Israeli antagonism against the WCC’s initiatives for peace with justice for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
International human rights monitors whose presence protects vulnerable schoolchildren in Hebron, occupied Palestine, are facing verbal and physical attack by Israeli settlers.
This is the theme of a discussion meeting taking place at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church tonight (7pm, Tuesday 3rd June 23014), in a two-part series co-sponsored by Ekklesia.
WCC Assembly participants have been learning about the reality of living in Palestinian occupied territory, through images, presentation and conversations.
There has been a widespread welcome for a vote in the Church of England General Synod supporting a nonviolent human rights programme in Palestine and Israel.