Code: ZE06083009
Date: 2006-08-30
Religious Leaders' Statement on Christian Zionism
"We Stand for Justice. We Can Do No Other"
JERUSALEM, AUG. 30, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is "The Jerusalem Declaration
on Christian Zionism" released Aug. 22. The statement was written by Latin
Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem and other local heads of Churches in
Jerusalem.
* * *
"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God."
(Matthew 5:9)
Christian Zionism is a modern theological and political movement that embraces
the most extreme ideological positions of Zionism, thereby becoming detrimental
to a just peace within Palestine and Israel.
The Christian Zionist program provides a worldview where the Gospel is identified
with the ideology of empire, colonialism and militarism. In its extreme form,
it laces an emphasis on apocalyptic events leading to the end of history
rather than living Christ's love and justice today.
We categorically reject Christian Zionist doctrines as false teaching that
corrupts the biblical message of love, justice and reconciliation.
We further reject the contemporary alliance of Christian Zionist leaders
and organizations with elements in the governments of Israel and the United
States that are presently imposing their unilateral preemptive borders and
domination over Palestine.
This inevitably leads to unending cycles of violence that undermine the security
of all peoples of the Middle East and the rest of the world.
We reject the teachings of Christian Zionism that facilitate and support
these policies as they advance racial exclusivity and perpetual war rather
than the gospel of universal love, redemption and reconciliation taught by
Jesus Christ.
Rather than condemn the world to the doom of Armageddon we call upon everyone
to liberate themselves from the ideologies of militarism and occupation.
Instead, let them pursue the healing of the nations!
We call upon Christians in Churches on every continent to pray for the Palestinian
and Israeli people, both of whom are suffering as victims of occupation and
militarism. These discriminative actions are turning Palestine into impoverished
ghettos surrounded by exclusive Israeli settlements.
The establishment of the illegal settlements and the construction of the
Separation Wall on confiscated Palestinian land undermine the viability of
a Palestinian state as well as peace and security in the entire region.
We call upon all Churches that remain silent, to break their silence and
speak for reconciliation with justice in the Holy Land.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to the following principles as an alternative
way:
We affirm that all people are created in the image of God. In turn they are
called to honor the dignity of every human being and to respect their inalienable
rights.
We affirm that Israelis and Palestinians are capable of living together within
peace, justice and security.
We affirm that Palestinians are one people, both Muslim and Christian. We
reject all attempts to subvert and fragment their unity.
We call upon all people to reject the narrow world view of Christian Zionism
and other ideologies that privilege one people at the expense of others.
We are committed to non-violent resistance as the most effective means to
end the illegal occupation in order to attain a just and lasting peace.
With urgency we warn that Christian Zionism and its alliances are justifying
colonization, apartheid and empire-building.
God demands that justice be done. No enduring peace, security or reconciliation
is possible without the foundation of justice. The demands of justice will
not disappear. The struggle for justice must be pursued diligently and persistently
but without violence.
"What does the Lord require of you: To act justly, to love mercy, and to
walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
This is where we take our stand. We stand for justice. We can do no other.
Justice alone guarantees a peace that will lead to reconciliation with a
life of security and prosperity for all the peoples of our land. By standing
on the side of justice, we open ourselves to the work of peace -- and working
for peace makes us children of God.
"God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins
against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."
(2 Corinthians 5:19)
Patriarch Michel Sabbah
Latin Patriarchate, Jerusalem
Archbishop Swerios Malki Mourad,
Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate, Jerusalem
Bishop Riah Abu El-Assal,
Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East
Bishop Munib Younan,
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land