Archbishop of Canterbury Calls for End to Occupation
The most senior cleric in the Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally, has called for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestine during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. In a joint statement with Hosam Naoum, the Anglican archbishop of Jerusalem, Mullally urged Anglicans worldwide to take all necessary measures to establish a credible path towards ending the occupation.
Concern for Christian Presence in Holy Land
The open letter expressed concern for the long-term future of the indigenous Christian Palestinian presence in the Holy Land, which dates back to the time of Jesus Christ. The archbishops called on Anglicans to pressure politicians to establish a viable two-state solution enabling Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, dignity, and security. They also stated that Jerusalem's status should be determined through negotiation as a shared capital.
Witnessing Hardships in Gaza and West Bank
During her pilgrimage, Mullally said she witnessed immense hardships and a web of checkpoints that Palestinians are forced to navigate daily across Gaza and the West Bank. She added that the health system in Gaza has suffered catastrophic collapse. Mullally described the multiple ongoing conflicts across the region as symptomatic of a deeper political and spiritual crisis, involving an abandonment of international law and an increasing recurrence of military force.
Settler Violence and Displacement
The letter highlighted unchecked settler violence, forced displacement, systemic discrimination, and expanding checkpoints in the West Bank, leaving the Palestinian population impoverished, desperate, and powerless to enact change. It stated that annexation is already taking place in all but name. The letter also noted the profound suffering in Gaza and called on the international community not to look away, bearing a moral responsibility to relieve this agony and help rebuild Gaza's society.
Meetings with Palestinian Christians
Mullally met Layan Nasir, a 26-year-old Christian community worker jailed by the Israeli military, and the parents of Natalie Abu Dayeh, a Christian student detained without charge. She also planted an olive tree with the Nassar family, Palestinian Christians who have faced repeated settler attacks since 1991 in an attempt to drive them off their land. Mullally said Jesus Christ had also lived under foreign occupation, and olive trees are a symbol of Christians' deep roots in the land. She described the Nassars as an example of Christian resistance to injustice.
Sermon in Birzeit
In the Christian town of Birzeit in the West Bank, Mullally preached at St. Peter's Church, referencing the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus speaks to a community living in fear under foreign rule. She said she could only imagine how those words might sound to the congregation today. Mullally pledged to do all in her power to pursue the peace they desire and the freedom they deserve.
Lambeth Palace Statement
Lambeth Palace, the historic seat of the archbishop of Canterbury in London, said in a statement that the pilgrimage aimed to bring spiritual support to Christians at a time when communities are being violently forced from their land and illegal settlements are rapidly expanding across the West Bank.
Upcoming Church of England Debate
Next month, at its annual meeting of senior clerics, the Church of England is due to debate whether to change its investment policies in light of Israel's actions in the Occupied Territories.
