Why I am Passionate about Biblica

Conciliators to work on complaint

Ed Thornton, writes in the Church Times today: Conciliators to work on complaint

TWO "conciliators" have been appointed by the Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Christopher Hill, to attempt to resolve a complaint by the Board of Deputies of British Jews against a cleric.

In October last year, the board lodged a complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure against the Vicar of Christ Church, Virginia Water, in Surrey, the Revd Dr Stephen Sizer. The board said that Dr Sizer had made statements that it regarded as "anti-Semitic", and "posted internet links to articles on racist and anti-Semitic websites".

The Crown Prosecution Service investigated a complaint last year that Dr Sizer had posted a link on his Facebook page to a website that had anti-Semitic content. The CPS concluded that Dr Sizer had not committed a criminal offence (News, 4 May 2012).

Rabbi Dan Cohn-Sherbok, Professor Emeritus of Judaism at the University of Wales, wrote to Bishop Hill last year, saying that accusations that Dr Sizer was an anti-Semite were "completely without foundation" ( News, 13 April 2012).

A statement issued by Guildford diocese on Monday of last week said that both the Board of Deputies and Dr Sizer had "recently accepted the Bishop of Guildford's proposal of 'conciliation' as provided for by the Clergy Discipline Measure. He has asked for the process to be concluded within three months."

Two conciliators - one Jewish, and one Christian - had been nominated by Bishop Hill, and agreed by Dr Sizer and the Board, the statement said.

A spokesman for Guildford diocese said: "While it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage until the process is complete, this development clearly represents important progress, given that the aim of conciliation under the Measure is to achieve a positive and constructive outcome, with expert support, through dialogue."

The Board said in a statement that it was "more than happy to test whether the complaint can be satisfactorily resolved by agreement".

See also Antisemitic? We don't think so

Evaluating the Balfour Declaration: Breaking the Deadlock in the Middle East

On Saturday May 18th 2013, the Balfour Project held a one day conference at The Stripe, University of Winchester exploring the different legacies of the Balfour Declaration and how a greater understanding of history can contribute to justice and peace in the Middle East today.

Speakers included,  Professor Mary Grey, Rabbi Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok, Dr Dawoud El-Alami, Rabbi Charles Wallach, John Bond and Dr Mark Owen.

View further photographs here

Antisemitic? We don't think so

Antisemitic? We don't think so

Tanas Alqassis, Chairman, Arab Vision International
Revd Andrew Ashdown, Enham Team Rector and Trustee of Embrace the Middle East
Right Revd Riah Abo El Assal, 13th Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem
Fr Robert Assaly, Priest in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
Dr Bishara Awad, Founder and President Emeritus, Bethlehem Bible College
Dr Mark Braverman, Author of the Fatal Embrace
Canon Dr Mike Butterworth, former Academic Registrar, Oak Hill College
David Carter, Director, Middle East Evangelical Concern
Anne Clayton, Coordinator, Friends of Sabeel UK
Rabbi Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok, Professor Emeritus of Judaism, University of Wales
Michael Connarty MP, Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly
Jeremy Corbyn MP, Islington North
Katherine Cunningham, Moderator, IPMN, Presbyterian Church USA
Dr Martin Davie, Theological Advisor to the House of Bishops
Professor Philip Davies, Department of Biblical Studies, University of Sheffield
Professor Scott Elias, Royal Holloway, University of London
Adam Estle, Executive Director of Evangelicals for Middle East Understanding
Right Revd John Gladwin, former Bishop of Guildford and Chairman of Citizens Advice
Anthony Gratrex, member of Christ Church, Virginia Water
Tony Greenstein, Founding Member, Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Professor Mary Grey, Emeritus Professor of Theology, University of Wales
Dr Jeff Halper, Co-founder of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions
Hank Hanegraaff, President, Christian Research Institute
Revd Phil Hill, Nazareth Evangelical Theological Seminary
Canon Garth Hewitt, Founder, Amos Trust
Lawrence Jones, former member of Christ Church, Virginia Water 
Dr Ghada Karmi, Fellow of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, Exeter University
Manfred W. Kohl, Ambassador, Overseas Council
Dr Attorney Jonathan Kuttab, Chairman of the Board, Bethlehem Bible College
Venerable Michael Lawson, Chairman, Church of England Evangelical Council
Anne Martin, member of Christ Church, Virginia Water
Jeremy Moodey, Chief Executive, Embrace the Middle East
Craig Murray, former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan
Diana Neslen, Ex-officio, Jews for Justice for Palestinians
Professor Ilan Pappe, Director, European Centre for Palestine Studies, Exeter University
Revd Chris Rose, Director of the Amos Trust
Canon John Salter, Vice Chair, Garden Tomb Association
Revd Jack Sara, President, Bethlehem Bible College
Rabbi Dr Stanley Howard Schwartz, Hospice Chaplain and retired Army Chaplain
David Toorawa, Chair, Friends of Sabeel UK
Revd Dr Donald Wagner, National Director, Friends of Sabeel North America
Revd John Woodger, Retired vicar, St Mary's Watford


News Sources:

Church Times: Conciliators to work on complaint
Church Times: Vicar is not Anti-Semitic
Church Times: Rabbi Clears Vicar of Anti-Semitism
Church of England Newspaper: Sizer complaint
Jewish Chronicle: Bishop: anti-Zionist vicar ‘no antisemite'
Jewish Chronicle: Sizer: I am ready to meet the Board of Deputies any time

Jews for Justice for Palestinians Digging for dirt: the campaign against Stephen Sizer
Phil Groom (member of CCJ): Jeremiah's Underpants
Phil Groom (member of CCJ): Dr Sizer is cleared
Craig Murray: Defend Stephen Sizer


Commendations

"He has recently explained, however, that he 'categorically reject[s] any position that threatens the territorial integrity of Israel as a sovereign nation.... Stephen Sizer's work has the merit of clearly setting out the issues that divide the two sides, and furthermore doing so without the rancour or sheer nastiness of tone typical of the polemics in the conflict." (p.571). Anthony Julius is chairman of the London Consortium and a Visiting Professor at Birbeck College, University of London. His book Trials of the Diaspora, is a magisterial 800 page examination of the history of Anti-Semitism in England.

“I am glad to commend Stephen Sizer’s ground-breaking critique of Christian Zionism. His comprehensive overview of its roots, its theological basis and its political consequences is very timely. I myself believe that Zionism, both political and Christian, is incompatible with biblical faith. Stephen’s book has helped to reinforce this conviction.” Revd John Stott, Rector Emeritus, All Soul’s, Langham Place, London, the principal framer of the Lausanne Covenant (1974) and founder of the Langham Partnership International. 
 
“This is a very fine and important book.  All Christians who believe that Jesus favoured peacemakers, should read it and realise what terrible harm is being done in the name of Christianity.  And all who are concerned about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict should read it to understand how Christian Zionism disables the US as fair minded mediator.  European foreign policy thinkers should read it,because this distortion of US political space, puts a greater responsibility on European governments to stand up for justice and international law” Clare Short, former British Secretary of State for International Development

More than sixty bishops, clergy, politicians and academics have endorsed my books Christian Zionism and Zion's Christian Soldiers


When the rubber hits the fan

For some while I've compared the hasbara strategy to the lights of a stop sign. They begin with green - Intimidation. When that fails they move to orange - Isolation. And if that fails they move to red - Incrimination. Kevin Miller (one of the brilliant script writers for With God on our Side) is working on an expanded list which, since all good ideas are borrowed, I've adapted and incorporated into this scheme:

1. Ignore -- they always start by hoping you'll just go away.
2. Insult -- if you don't go away, they'll ridicule you or make you out to be a nut.
3. Intimidate -- when mockery fails, the gloves come off and they bombard you with emails.
4. Isolate -- then they seek to divide and conquer by intimidating others to isolate you.
5. Incriminate -- they frame or smear you and force you to defend yourself with legal fees.
6. Incarcerate -- when all else fails, as judge and jury, they put your life in the crosshairs.
7. Immolate -- and it will probably appear as suicide (because eliminate begins with an 'e').

Like many others, I have the bruises from the first five and I know a few who have made it from the sixth to the seventh 'heaven' for speaking out for justice, peace and reconciliation. Although it is painful to receive anonymous phone calls, emails or letters, sometimes it becomes farcical. A few years back I was asked to co-lead a Meditteranean cruise to Greece, Turkey and Israel-Palestine for MasterSun. Called Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, critics who didn't want us praying for the Palestinians as well, bombarded the company with emails and phone calls warning them to dis-invite me or there would be riots in Ashkelon and Haifa when the ship docked. In the end, when MasterSun  refused, one Pentecostal pastor predicted that if I was allowed on the ship it would sink.

When the smears are hitting the fan, I'm reminded of a quotation by the late Justice Hugo Black of the US Supreme Court who reportedly once said, "the widest possible dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources is essential to the welfare of the public."

Just because my father was a working class socialist, does that make me a communist? Because I have raved about the music of Aharit Hayamin am I a  Zionist? Does it make me complicit in the illegal Jewish Settlement programme because I corresponded with their producer and have allowed them to use my photographs taken at one of the gigs? Just because I appeared in a debate on Revelation TV, does that mean I endorse the prosperity gospel? I don't think so. Read my lips, I repudiate holocaust denial and anti-Semitism unconditionally, unequivocally and unambiguously.


Repudiating anti-Semitism

For the record, over the years, on this blog I have:

• lamented the suffering of Christians under Islamic rule here and here. 
• repudiated suicide bombers and terrorism here and here.
• repudiated holocaust deniers here, here, here and here.
• repudiated anti-Semitism here, here and here.
• repudiated racism and the British National Party (BNP) here.
• distinguished anti-Zionism from anti-Semitism here.
• advocated a diplomatic solution to resolving tensions with Iran here and here.
• advocated for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by peaceful means based on the implementation of international law here, here and here.
• commended the work of the Council of Christians and Jews.
• Supported the ministry of CMJ and Jews for Jesus.
  

To clarify my position in my book Zion's Christian Soldiers, I wrote the following:

"It is true that at various times in the past, churches and church leaders have tolerated or incited anti-Semitism and even attacks on Jewish people. Racism is a sin and without excuse. Anti-Semitism must be repudiated unequivocally. However, we must not confuse apples and oranges. Anti-Zionism is not the same thing as anti-Semitism despite attempts to broaden the definition. Criticising a political system as racist is not necessarily racist. Judaism is a religious system. Israel is a sovereign nation. Zionism is a political system. These three are not synonymous. I respect Judaism, repudiate anti-Semitism, encourage interfaith dialogue and defend Israel’s right to exist within borders recognised by the international community and agreed with her neighbours. But like many Jews, I disagree with a political system which gives preference to expatriate Jews born elsewhere in the world, while denying the same rights to the Arab Palestinians born in the country itself."

I concur wholeheartedly with John Stott,

“Away then with anti-Semitism! It has been an appalling scandal in the history of Europe, and even the Christian church has been implicated. Christians should be ‘pro-Semitic’, in the sense that we recognize how the people of Israel have been highly favoured by God. We Gentiles are their debtors, Paul wrote (Romans 15:27). We owe them a huge spiritual debt, especially in their bequest to the world of both the Scriptures and the Christ."

On a daily basis I count myself truly blessed (Matthew 5:11) and honoured to follow the Good Shepherd (John 15:18-19).

Lost Boy No More

Bishop Abraham Nhial (in purple) and South Sudan Soldiers cross over a bridge from South Sudan into Sudan.  Bishop Abraham is one of the few Lost Boys to return back to his homeland and help the people of South Sudan.  He does not receive any regular pay for this ministry work, but rather his work is supported only through prayer and those that are called to support his work.

We invite you to explore his story through this website and to join with him in supporting the hurting people of South Sudan who endured many years of war, losing over 2 million people.

Lost Boy No More 

Séanna Breathnach of Coiste on The Better Friday Agreement

In this short interview Séanna Breathnach (Seanna Walsh in English) talks about the Better Friday Agreement, a meeting in Belfast to mark the 15th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. 

In July 2005, he appeared on a DVD reading out a statement from the IRA Army Council announcing the end to its armed campaign. In doing so, Breathnach became the first IRA member since 1972 to represent the organisation without wearing a mask.

Coiste provides a unique perspective of Republican ex-prisoners in Ireland. For more information see Coiste

Coiste are organising a conference in Linen Hall Library, Belfast on Friday 24th May. It is to mark the referendum, north and south, which endorsed the Good Friday Agreement. This is an attempt to look back over that historic agreement and to discuss what could have been done differently, what remains to be fulfilled and what is the vision for our future?

Go raibh maith agaibh, Séanna Walsh – Legacy and Outreach Worker, Coiste

Doug Lockhart Global CEO of Biblica

Doug Lockhart is Global CEO of Biblica. In this short interview he talks about the future. For more information see Biblica 

Imagine sharing the Bible with 60% of the world in their primary language. Biblica’s Bible translations and world outreach allow us to do just that. Biblica’s international ministries impact 55 countries across 6 regions of the world. Explore what God is doing and how you might get involved in changing the world through the Bible.

AIDS Prevention through Bible Programs
Discover how to stop AIDS through Bible study, small groups, and the power of the Gospel.

Kids
Discover Bible lessons for kids that will teach about God and build a passion for the study of the Bible.

Translation
Discover a global strategy to reach the world with the Bible.

Scripture Outreach
Discover how low-cost Bibles are the ultimate tool for evangelism.

Bible & Church Engagement
Discover how a Bible study becomes community engagement.

Prison Ministry
Discover Bible resources for prison ministry.

Military Support
Discover how Biblica provides Bibles for soldiers and military families.

  Stephen Cave is the CEO of Biblica Europe. In this short interview he talks about plans for the future. For more information see www.biblicaeurope.com

The Forced Exile of Palestinians

Source: Visualizing Palestine

Shared Land: Friends of Sabeel UK Conference

Friends of Sabeel UK Conference and Annual General Meeting

Saturday 15th June 2013 10:30am-5:00pm

at
CMS, Watlington Rd, Oxford, OX4 6BZ

Programme

Working For Peace for the People of Palestine and Israel.

Sabeel works for a just peace for the people of Palestine and Israel. Started by Palestinian Christians, Sabeel promotes non-violence and reconciliation. Friends of Sabeel UK is working in Britain to support that vision.

Justice and peace in the Middle East will only happen with the cooperation of all the faith communities in the region. Sabeel, a grassroots ecumenical liberation theology organisation based in Jerusalem, encourages this cooperation. Its work involves:

• Exploring the meaning of the Gospel in the Palestinian situation.
• Supporting the Palestinian Christian community.
• Working for a more accurate international awareness of the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The word Sabeel is Arabic. It means ‘the way.’ It can also mean a spring or channel of living water.

Friends of Sabeel UK

Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem Criticize Brutality of Israeli Police

Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem Condemn the Israeli Police of these Measures and Violations of Christians' rights to Worship at the Holy Sites 

We, the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, watched with sorrowful hearts the horrific scenes of the brutal treatment of our clergy, people, and pilgrims in the Old City of Jerusalem during Holy Saturday last week. A day of joy and celebration was turned to great sorrow and pain for some of our faithful because they were ill-treated by some Israeli policemen who were present around the gates of the Old City and passages that lead to the Holy Sepulcher.

We understand the necessity and the importance of the presence of security forces to ensure order and stability, and for organizing the celebration of the Holy Fire at the Church of the Resurrection. Yet, it is not acceptable that under pretext of security and order, our clergy and people are indiscriminately and brutally beaten, and prevented from entering their churches, monasteries and convents.

We urge the Israeli authorities especially the Ministry of Interior and the police department in Jerusalem, to seriously consider our complaints, to hold responsibility and to condemn all acts of violence against our faithful and the clergy who were ill-treated by the police.

We deplore that every year, the police measures are becoming tougher, and we expect that these accidents will not be repeated and the police should be more sensitive and respectful if they seek to protect and serve. We also denounce all those who are blaming the churches and holding them responsible of the Israeli measures during Holy Week celebrations.

On the contrary, the Heads of churches in Jerusalem condemn all of these measures and violations of Christians' rights to worship in their churches and Holy Sites. Therefore, we condemn all measures of closing the Old City and urge the Israeli authorities to allow full access to the Holy sites during Holy Week of both Church Calendars.

The Heads of Churches of Jerusalem

+Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
+Patriarch Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarchate
+Patriarch Norhan Manougian, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate
+Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, ofm, Custos of the Holy Land
+Archbishop Anba Abraham, Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, Jerusalem +Archbishop Swerios Malki Murad, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate
+Aba Fissiha Tsion, Locum Tenens of the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate
+Archbishop Joseph-Jules Zerey, Greek-Melkite-Catholic Patriarchate
+Archbishop Moussa El-Hage, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate
+Bishop Suheil Dawani, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East
+Bishop Munib Younan, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
+Bishop Pierre Melki, Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate
+Msgr. Joseph Antoine Kelekian, Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate