2015 Action in Dioceses on Palestine Israel: Massachusetts
The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts gathered for its convention 13-14 November 2015. Two resolutions related to Palestine Israel passed:
Relief for Persecuted Christians and Others in the Middle East
Resolved, that this 230th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts acknowledge that our brother and sister Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East and elsewhere have been persecuted by forced conversions, expulsions from their homes and murder; and that the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts advocates the prayers of the faithful on their behalf and urges support for Episcopal Relief & Development so that it may provide relief and support to our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ and others.
Support of Pilgrimages and Closer Partnerships in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
Resolved, that this 230th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts supports the initiatives of the Diocesan Middle East Network Working Group Committee—a member of the Global Mission Network—which encourages members of this diocese to visit the West Bank of Palestine, to witness what life is like for those living under military occupation that has continued for 50 years, and to develop relationships with the churches and institutions of our partner in mission, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, through such pilgrimages, and be it further
Resolved, that the Middle East Network Working Group Committee encourages congregations to apply for Mission Tithe Matching Grants to provide financial assistance for diocesan mission pilgrimages to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
From the news article on the diocese’s website:
“The convention approved two resolutions focused on the Middle East, with the discussion in support of each highlighting concern about the diminishing Christian presence there. No one spoke in opposition to either resolution.”
Bishop Gayle Harris made an important distinction between persecution of Christians in the wider Middle East and what the Palestinian Christian community faces: “ “I want you to please note that while we pray for Christians we also are asking your prayers for those in other religious minorities that are also facing violence against them,” she said. “Yes, Christians are suffering. Particularly in Israel and Palestine, Christians are leaving because of governmental policies of the Israeli government, but elsewhere it is because of sectarian division.” (Again from the news article.)
Continue reading more on comments on the resolutions.. [http://www.diomass.org/diocesan-news/diocesan-convention-celebrates-renewed-cathedral-takes-mission-and-world-concerns ]
