The Church of England’s General Synod voted last week to formally hear Kairos Palestine II, a report published by Palestinian Christian leaders that characterizes Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and occupation of the West Bank using terminology such as genocide, apartheid, and settler colonialism. The document was co-written by Father Fadi Diab, a prominent Palestinian Anglican priest from Ramallah, and calls for an urgent global Christian response to the situation in the region.
The motion initially proposed that synod “receive” the report but was amended during debate to “hear” it instead. Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally stated that hearing Palestinian Christians’ experiences did not constitute endorsement of every aspect of the report, but rather represented listening with compassion and standing in solidarity with them regarding injustices they face. Mullally, in her first significant intervention as church leader, reflected on her recent visit to a Palestinian Christian congregation in the West Bank, where she observed settlements expanding at unprecedented rates.
Jewish leaders expressed significant concerns before and after the vote. The Board of Deputies of British Jews urged synod to reject the report, arguing it undermined efforts against antisemitism. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Progressive Judaism co-chairs contended the document went beyond criticizing Israeli government policies to question Zionism and Jewish historical connections to the land. Rabbi Charley Baginsky acknowledged the church must grapple with Palestinian Christian experiences but characterized the report as a problematic vehicle due to what she described as entrenchment of antisemitic elements.
Interfaith dialogue advocates offered measured perspectives. Georgina Bye of the Council of Christians and Jews expressed concern about lack of nuance in the document’s language while supporting efforts to amplify Palestinian Christian voices. She welcomed the amendment from “receive” to “hear,” viewing it as opening space for more holistic discussion.
Diab defended the report’s terminology, stating the language reflected findings from human rights organizations and accurately described conditions on the ground. He attributed the document’s creation to existential threats facing Palestinian Christians and urged more people to visit occupied territories to understand the realities of military occupation.
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