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"THE
JERUSALEM DECLARATION ON CHRISTIAN ZIONISM"
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Statement by the Patriarch and Local Heads of Churches In Jerusalem |
August 25, 2006. 11:52:7
"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 programme
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 pre-emptive 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 undermines 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 non-violently.
"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 Cor
5:19)
His Beattitude 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
August 22, 2006
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