GROUPS ACTING AS ROADBLOCKS TO RESPONSIBLE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
THE SABEEL ECUMENICAL LIBERATION THEOLOGY CENTER IN JERUSALEM
The Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem (Sabeel) undermines hope for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, for greater understanding about the conflict, and for the spread of religious tolerance by p romoting intolerance, extremist theology, a one-sided perspective of the conflict that silences the Israeli side, and continued intolerance against Christians in the Palestinian Authority and the larger Middle East. Sabeel excuses terrorism and distorts facts in order to demonize Israel . Sabeel promotes policies that are impeding responsible peace in the Middle East .
Sabeel’s founder, Anglican Canon Naim Ateek:
- Portrays Jews/Israel as Christ killers: “Jesus is on the cross again with thousands of crucified Palestinians around him…The Israeli government crucifixion system is operating daily.” (Anglican Canon Naim Ateek, February 22, 2001)
- Paints Jews/Israel as Herod, the child killer. “[O]ur celebrations are marred by the destructive powers of the modern day ‘Herods’ who are represented in the Israeli government.” (Anglican Canon Naim Ateek, “Christmas Reflection” 2000)
- Offers Jews/Israel as the Obstacle to Humanity’s Salvation: “Israel has placed a large boulder...that has metaphorically shut off the Palestinians in a tomb. It is similar to the stone placed at the entrance of Jesus’ tomb.” (Anglican Canon Naim Ateek, “Christmas Reflection” 2000)
- Denies Jews a Right to Any State: “By espousing the nationalist tradition of Zionism, [Jews] have relinquished the role of the servant that they have claimed….a revolutionary change from the long-held belief that the Jews have a vocation for suffering.” (Anglican Canon Naim Ateek, Justice and Only Justice, p. 107)
For additional information on this group please click here.
THE CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKER TEAMS
According to the NGO, on August 22, 2005, the Christian Peacemaker Teams' (CPT) publications, "…reflected a consistent pro-Palestinian agenda, in sharp contrast the CPT mission statement related to nonviolent conflict resolution. An article published by the Global Ministries, documenting the January 2003 CPT Ohio Conference, reflects this bias and hostility towards Israel. While repeatedly condemning Israeli government policies, there is no mention of the Palestinian terror campaign, and the hundreds of murdered Israelis."
For additional information on this group please click here.
GROUPS PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
PRESBYTERIANS CONCERNED FOR JEWISH CHRISTIAN RELATIONS
Presbyterians Concerned for Jewish Christian Relations (PCJCR) "is an informal group of members, ministers, and congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA)" who are "committed to a positive, constructive and respectful relationship with Jews." http://www.pcjcr.org/
For additional information on this group please click here.
NATIONAL CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FOR ISRAEL
"The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) is a network of Christians from diverse racial, ethnic, political and theological backgrounds, who are united in a shared commitment to the security and well-being of Israel in today's world."
For additional information on this group please click here.
