Synod urges Anglicans to build bridges between Muslims & Jews

Provincial Synod resolved today to call on dioceses and parishes to “commit to being peace-makers by intentionally building bridges between Muslim and Jewish communities in South Africa.”

In the third of three resolutions dealing with Islamaphobia, anti-semitism and the conflict in Palestine and Israel, the synod also said Anglican churches should take steps to educate parishioners on Jewish-Muslim relations and in particular, the situation in Palestine and Israel.

The full text of the resolution follows.

The address of Bishop Luke Pretorius seconding the resolution can be found here >>

Motion: Peace in the Middle East (as amended)

This Provincial Synod, noting that:

1. We grieve at the ongoing cycle of violence in Palestine, Israel and in many parts of the region that has displaced people through state sanctioned actions, civil wars and violent extremists;

2. We yearn for the peace and wholeness of God to be made manifest in Palestine and Israel as well as in neighbouring countries in the Middle East; and

3. Jesus Christ commanded us to love one another and pray for those who persecute us;

Calls on every Diocese and every Parish therein to:

1. Affirm that Antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in the Anglican Church;

2. Take steps to educate parishioners on Jewish-Muslim relations and in particular, the situation in Palestine and Israel;

3. Commit to being peace-makers by intentionally building bridges between Muslim and Jewish communities in South Africa; and

4. Pray a special prayer for the people of the Middle East

God bless the people of the Middle East;

Protect its vulnerable children;

Transform it’s divided leaders;

Heal their wounded communities,

Restore their human dignity,

and given them lasting peace.

Amen.

Proposer: The Ven Forbes Maupa of the Diocese of Natal

Seconder: Bishop Luke Pretorius of the Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist (in Limpopo)