Jerusalem, July 7, 2018
Dear sisters and brothers,
Kairos Palestine has been following the recent work of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship and its Palestine Israel Network with great interest and abiding appreciation. While the Episcopal Church has partnered with the Palestinian Christian community since 1922, we recognize that this is a kairos moment for the Episcopal Church as you meet in Austin, Texas, for the 79th General Convention.
We write from a place of suffering and hope to encourage your church to take courageous stands: insisting on a just resolution to the conflict by strongly opposing the maltreatment and torture of our Palestinian children; employing economic leverage to end Israel’s decades-long and brutal occupation; safeguarding freedom of speech by insisting on the right to boycott; calling for civil rights and equality for all in the State of Israel, and more.
As expressed in the 2009 document, Kairos Palestine: A Moment of Truth (www.kairospalestine.ps), we long for and work to bring about the day when, with our Jewish and Muslim sisters and brothers, we will live together in justice and peace. In the meantime, day by day Israel’s harsh oppression and theft of our land increases. It pleases us to report, however, that though we are afflicted in every way, perplexed, persecuted and struck down, with partners like you and others around the globe we are not crushed, driven to despair, forsaken or destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8). Thanks, God.
Please convey our greetings to your Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, and the esteemed bishops and deputies of the Episcopal Church.
God bless you all and bless your assembly
Kairos Palestine