Episcopal Peace Fellowship Palestine Justice Network calls Executive Council to endorse BDS
It has been four months since EPF PJN noted the 20th anniversary of the global BDS Movement – the predominant nonviolent tactic for forcing change in Israel’s policies regarding Palestinians. In that brief time, the situation for Palestinians has further deteriorated into unimaginable trauma. In Gaza, continued destruction, displacement, starvation, and now more than 1000 people shot dead seeking food aid; in the West Bank since October 7, 2023, U.N. data records 1000 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and settlers, 6574 Palestinians displaced, and 3091 structures demolished by Israeli authorities. The final goal of BDS, Israel complying with international law, seems more remote with every news report. EPF PJN beseeches The Episcopal Church to take more concerted action in response to this humanitarian and moral crisis.
Although EPF PJN largely concurs that “the global Church has failed its duty to challenge the Gaza genocide”, we note that some clergy are speaking up in more forceful and prophetic terms. In remarks on July 15, Archbishop Hosam Naoum stressed the crisis of Israeli law-breaking: “Advocacy is urgently needed for Israel’s adherence to the Geneva Conventions, as its current practices are unacceptable.” Describing Israel’s illegal and immoral campaign against civilians, such as bombing hospitals, starvation, and dispossession, he emphasized we must reject the “ethnic cleansing that is presently being discussed by the Israeli and U.S. governments.” The Rev. Fadi Diab, Rector of St Andrew’s Church in Ramallah, said “In moments like these, silence is not an option. It is a form of complicity. When genocidal aggression is not a priority for the Church to debate, the Church is in a deep mess.”
Words from clergy are impactful when they are prophetic like those of Archbishop Hosam and Rev. Fadi, naming “ethnic cleansing” and “genocide”. EPF PJN calls on leaders of The Episcopal Church to join the Palestinian clergy in loudly and publicly naming the atrocities that we are witnessing: ethnic cleansing, genocide in Gaza, starvation as a method of extermination, and apartheid. Some of those words were offered to the church in Resolutions at the last General Convention and were resoundingly rejected by the House of Bishops, as was support for BDS. Those who opposed those resolutions often stated that now is not yet the time. In light of continuing developments, EPF PJN asks, when is the time if not now?
Though it inspires our advocacy and expands our awareness, prophetic speech is only a starting point. To effect change, meaningful action is also needed. Because of the emergent circumstances, EPF PJN calls on the Executive Council of TEC to name the atrocities we are witnessing and to act by endorsing BDS. TEC supported boycott against South African apartheid in response to Archbishop Tutu’s prophetic call. Boycott, divestment and sanctions, deployed on the scale that transformed South Africa offers humanity the power to end the genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, end the occupation, dismantle apartheid, demand reparations and restitution, including the right of return for Palestinians, and reinstate the primacy of international law.