wfn.org | [ACNS] Statement from the Secretary General of the Anglican

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ACNS 4012     |     ACO     |	  28 JULY 2005

A Statement from the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion

The Anglican Consultative Council 2005 Resolution, Peace and Justice
Network: Palestine - Israel Conflict

I have been saddened by much of the response to the debate and
resolution on the Palestinian / Israeli conflict at the recent meeting
of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), especially among Jewish
representatives in Britain. The tone of these responses does little to
acknowledge the responsible nature of the debate, and the depth of
sadness felt by all members of the Council as they heard of the tragedy
of the situation.

The Anglican Peace and Justice Network is a responsible Network of the
Anglican Communion, representing 23 of the 38 Provinces of the church
world-wide. It met in Jerusalem last September as guests of local
Christians primarily to hear at first hand the experiences of the Holy
Land. As well as listening to the Christian community at length the
group met and heard from 'both Israeli and Palestinian voices for a just
resolution to the current conflict', though most voices were
Palestinian. The [opening section]see.

http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/40/00/acns4012a.cfm

of the report sets this local context well.

Anglicans make a clear distinction between Jewish / Christian dialogue
which they value greatly, and the current policies of the Israeli
government. It was these latter policies which were the subject of the
debate and subsequent resolution at the ACC. Concern about these current
government policies is not confined to Anglicans.

There has been much comment, and not a little misunderstanding, about
what the [resolution] see.
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acc/meetings/acc13/resolutions.cfm#s36
said about investments. It did not call for dis-investment in Israel.
Instead, it commended the Episcopal Church (USA) for resolving to take
appropriate action 'where it finds that its corporate investments
support the occupation of Palestinian lands or violence against innocent
Israelis' and encourages others to do likewise within the framework of
their ethical investment strategies. It further 'encouraged strategies
that support the infrastructure of a future Palestinian State', which I
understand is Israeli government policy also.

Jewish-Christian relations, especially within Britain, are much valued
by Anglicans, who have always been to the forefront of these dialogues,
both national and local. At their best, they are characterised by a
willingness to listen to each other and to engage with the context of
each. No doubt the ongoing violence, death and destruction from which
both Israelis and Palestinians suffer, has been discussed on many
occasions, as a shared understanding of the complexities of the
situation emerges.

I pray for the ongoing work of such contacts, as they continue to carry
both Jews and Christians forward into a shared future where
recrimination and mutual vilification are things of the past.

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