As an Episcopalian, I am distraught and bewildered by our church's apparent lack of moral outrage against Israel’s war on Gaza and its ongoing refusal to implement a ceasefire. Thousands of innocent Palestinians have perished, most of them women and children, and countless more will succumb to malnutrition, hunger, and lack of medical care if an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian relief efforts are not initiated. Our church has always responded to global disasters, even those of lesser magnitude, with prayers and calls for humanitarian support. The absence of such efforts in this instance, coupled with a callous indifference to the suffering of innocent people, is profoundly perplexing. Why is praying for the victims of this war different from any other? Is it because we fear being perceived as anti-Semitic? Or do we see this as a justifiable collective punishment for Hamas’s actions on October 7?
Whatever the reason, our silence is starkly at odds with our baptismal covenant to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, love our neighbors as ourselves, strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” What disturbs me most is the contrast between the societal and campus-driven desire for justice and the seeming apathy within my faith community. It makes me question whether my concern for the survival of Palestinians and their struggle for independence is misplaced.
The Episcopal Church has a visible presence in Jerusalem and has historically supported institutions providing medical care and education to Palestinians in the occupied territories, regardless of their religion. The church’s Diocese of Jerusalem spearheads peace-building initiatives, including the Jerusalem Peacebuilders program and interfaith efforts through its Department of Peace, Reconciliation, and Interfaith Dialogue. However, these efforts are woefully inadequate compared to the overwhelming needs of a population confined and deprived of fundamental freedoms. The mission of peace-building and reconciliation lacks integrity without addressing justice and the history of colonialism. Despite years of mission work and annual pilgrimages, hostility between the indigenous communities persists.
It is imperative for the church to adopt a new approach to peace in Israel/Palestine. This crisis demands a political solution, not just humanitarian aid. Can the Diocese of Jerusalem incorporate 'Justice' into the Department of Peace and Reconciliation? Palestinians need a genuine ally to support their struggle for independence and self-determination. The outdated colonial model of mission work, which reduces recipients to objects of charity, must be abandoned. The church must shed its white-patriarchal-supremacy theology and embrace the theology of its baptismal covenant, walking in solidarity with those denied justice, homeland, and dignity. Otherwise, aid efforts only serve to soothe the church's conscience and erode its credibility.
The church missed a crucial opportunity by not supporting the thousands of students protesting US policies that arm Israel and enable the indiscriminate killing of Gazans. I know at least one young person who left the Episcopal Church because of its silence over this war. Over the years, the Episcopal Church’s General Conventions have repeatedly failed to pass resolutions that could have held Israel accountable for its treatment of Palestinians. In 2018, despite opportunities to label Israel an apartheid state and pass other significant resolutions, meaningful action was stymied in the House of Bishops.
As Israel’s war on Gaza, fueled by US-supplied bombs, continues, the upcoming 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Louisville, Kentucky, presents another opportunity. TEC must not be beholden to Israel or ignore its ongoing occupation and genocide of indigenous Palestinians. The church must bravely serve as an honest broker between Israelis and Palestinians, considering not just the events of October 7 but decades of oppressive occupation. It is time to stop seeking forgiveness for past inaction and start making impactful decisions: labeling Israel as an apartheid state, boycotting Israeli products, divesting from companies doing business in Israel, and recognizing Palestinian indigeneity. These steps are essential to remaining faithful to the gospel of Christ. I fervently hope and pray that the deputies and bishops of TEC will heed the cries of those suffering in Gaza and pass resolutions that will hold Israel accountable and pave the way for a just peace.
