Synod debates paper on Israeli 'Genocide'

Concerns over Church of England's consideration of controversial Palestine document

Gaza fence Christian supporters of Israel and the Jewish people have expressed their concern over a motion to be put before the Church of England General Synod (parliament) meeting in York today.

The Kairos II document purports to express solidarity with Palestinian Christians while accusing Israel of genocide, colonisation, and ethnic cleansing. It even appears to justify the October 7, 2023, massacre of Jews due to “decades of injustice, oppression and displacement” in Gaza.

It reflects on “the suffering of our people under occupation” and declared: “We live now in a time of genocide, ethnic cleansing and forced displacement unfolding before the eyes of the world.” The document describes Israel as a “colonial, settler, and exclusionary entity” and says Palestinians are “the indigenous people of this land”. It calls on churches “to distinguish between dialogue with Jews and dialogue with Zionism”. It also says, “The genocidal war on Gaza is the continuation of the Zionist project to seize all of Palestine, emptied of its Palestinian people.” The report is to debated at Synod on Mon 13th July.

Concerns from Church’s Ministry among Jewish People (CMJ)

The Church’s Ministry among Jewish people (CMJ), founded in 1809 as the second-oldest Anglican missionary society, has written a letter to the Synod saying the voices of Jewish believers in Jesus and many others, including Anglicans, have not been represented. While acknowledging the motion’s commitment to peace and justice, they say the voices of suffering Palestinian Christians are being heard in isolation from other faithful Christian perspectives.

Co-founded in London by slave abolitionist William Wilberforce, CMJ have been established in Jerusalem itself for over two centuries, during which time they have consistently reached out to both Jews and Arabs, witnessing true reconciliation as the two often become one in Christ.

We expect this [Kairos Palestine document] to be a barrier to such engagement that will be interpreted as a threat to the Jewish community.

CMJ General Director Rev Aaron Eime, with support from the mission’s trustees, wrote: “Many Anglicans affirm God’s continuing purposes for the Jewish people while equally supporting justice, dignity and security for Palestinians.

“Our historic vocation has been to strengthen understanding between the Church and the Jewish people… but we expect this [Kairos Palestine document] to be a barrier to such engagement that will be interpreted as a threat to the Jewish community.”

Calling for a broader Anglican consultation on Israel, Palestine and the Jewish people, they held out the hope of further dialogue on the issue.

This document purports to seek peace but instead sows division and furthers hatred.

“We respectfully suggest that, if General Synod is encouraged to study Kairos Palestine, it should also be invited to engage with the significant body of theological reflection offered by Jewish believers in Jesus, Israeli Christians, Anglican theologians of differing convictions, and others whose scholarship presents complementary and contrasting perspectives. A process intended to deepen understanding should not inadvertently narrow the range of Christian perspectives from which the Church seeks its discernment.

“This document purports to seek peace but instead sows division and furthers hatred.”

Chief Rabbi calls on Church to reject Gaza ‘genocide’ document

The CMJ are not the only group to express their deep concerns. Now Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has warned the Church of England’s General Synod that it risks damaging Christian-Jewish relations if it proceeds with a motion encouraging engagement with the document. He says that the document reduces a complex political and historical reality to a one-sided account, that it downplays Jewish historical experience and that it presents “political activism dressed up as theology”.

Other Jewish groups in Britain – including the Rabbinic Court of Great Britain, the Movement for Progressive Judaism and The Board of Deputies of British Jews – also urged the Church to withdraw the document.

Charles Gardner with Tom Lennie, 10/07/2026

Feedback:

	(Guest)	14/07/2026 21:11
…..New Archbishop of Canterbury 1 Corinthians 11:17
	(Guest)	14/07/2026 15:50
A couple of years ago I wrote a letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury. His assistant wrote back to me and said that Archbishop Justin was very sympathetic and that they promised everyone at Lambeth Palace would pray for me. However, Archbishop of Justin could not intervene because he did not know me. I contested and asked if they don’t believe prayer is a way to intervene in my situation…….No response since then.
	Peter Morrow (Guest)	14/07/2026 11:45
Hi Guest, I wouldn't really say that I agree, because while we can read history in light of the Bible, and while the Bible certainly needs interpretation, the best interpreter is the context in which it was written, and the Bible itself. You seem to be suggesting that our understanding of the Bible is subject to our understanding of history, or even current circumstances and events. We, rather, are subject to the Bible, and in this particular case, the CofE seem to be subject to the prevailing mood of history.
	John Shipton (Guest)	14/07/2026 00:46
I know where I am going and will be going home soon! The Church of England has nothing to offer me. Other religious establishments are devoid of spiritual support. While church leaders appear to be building their own empires and losing ground in what they believe and let sleeping dogs lie. Churchianity is slowly but surely replacing Christianity. There are only a few Believers where I live who are prepared to stand up for the Faith. The rest just play follow the leader whatever direction taken. In my younger days we used to greet one another Maranatha but that has been kicked into touch and long forgotten. What has become apparent is that the female Archbishop of Canterbury has lost the plot regarding Israel and the Jewish people remaining His chosen people. The result being debated is the Palestinian cause sticking out like a sore thumb. For Israel as a nation is being disregarded and the blame for the Middle East war has been put on their shoulders. Biblical prophecy has been put on hold while the Word of God is considered no longer relevant for the 21st century. And yet, the hierarchy running the show and trying to impose change, are not following Christ and have binned His commission to suit the religious trends appearing to satisfy other religions. It is no wonder that the Anglican Church is in disarray, playing a dangerous game of compromise, and lost its way. I would emphasis that in following the Lord Jesus Christ is to become born-again, filled with the Holy Spirit, and having an assurance that one's name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. For dismissing this as so, will not get you into the Kingdom of God. With the policies and statements made by the General Synod on certain matters which the article raises, is suspect of any agreement made now and in the future. The Church of England and its pecking order seems to be acting that they know the will of God concerning the Middle East crisis. Not so, and I believe that Christ would say to them " I do not know you" as the Palestine Document stands!
	(Guest)	13/07/2026 22:51
Sorry for the typo. I meant; "Once WE understand the history, the trajectory of history will help us where to go, what to do next.” And I support Biblical authority. Completely. "....the trajectory of history has been ordained by God, and it is in understanding His decree as stated in the Bible that will show us where we are going, and inform us of how we should live." I agree with you, Peter. 'The trajectory of history has been ordained by God' as you say. However, God's decree ordained in the Bible cannot be understood without interpreting/ contextualising the Word. To interpret the Word correctly, it is essential to understand the history well to understand the current situation we are in. Then finally we know where we are going and how we should live. I hope I have made what I wanted to say clearer this time.
	Peter Morrow (Guest)	13/07/2026 13:41
Hi Guest, I’m not clear if you are arguing for or against Biblical authority, but with reference to your last statement: “ Once you understand the history, the trajectory of history will help us where to go, what to do next.” I would say this - understanding history is important, but the trajectory of history has been ordained by God, and it is in understanding His decree as stated in the Bible that will show us where we are going, and inform us of how we should live. Maybe you meant the same thing?
	Hannah (Guest)	13/07/2026 10:14
The perspectives of the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu (God has given/gift of God in Hebrew) can be found in his book Bibi. He ends his last chapter 'My story, our story' quoting Ecclesiastes and Samuel passages.
	(Guest)	12/07/2026 09:03
Issachar People's Statement of Faith 1. The Bible alone is the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God.......... One of the advantages of examining various perspectives is that you can reconstruct/recreate the history (what really happened) in our mind more accurately even though each perspective could have errors/misunderstandings/bias. Once you understand the history, the trajectory of history will help us where to go, what to do next.
	Keiko Green	11/07/2026 19:19
The following is BBC's summary. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-29123668 Very interesting to compare what each perspective focuses on and how they interpret regarding the same topic.
	Keiko Green	11/07/2026 19:12
CMJ's views are explained above by Charles Gardner with Tom Lennie. The below are other views on the same Topic of Israel(Biblical time and modern)/Palestine/Gaza, Judea + Samaria=West bank 1. United Nations This is what UN says. https://www.un.org/unispal/history/ 2. Timeline for Israel by One for Israel (initiative of native-born Israelis on the forefront of high-tech media evangelism, proclaiming salvation to Israel - Native born Israeli view) From Ancient Roots to current Israel https://www.oneforisrael.org/israel-timeline/ 3. Israel 365's view of Judea Samaria (Israel 365 was started by Orthodox Rabbi Tuly - American/Jewish view) https://israel365action.com/the-biblical-heartland-explained/what-is-the-history-of-judea-and-samaria/
	Keiko Green	11/07/2026 14:05
I would like to question the statement ; ‘The Palestinians are the Philistines of the Bible‘. In my understanding the Palestinians are Arab people. The Philistines in the Bible were from Caphtor, Crete/Aegean origin people. (Genesis 10:14, Deuteronomy 2:23, Jeremiah 47:4)
	edharding@mybroadbandmail.com (Guest)	11/07/2026 09:38
The Palestinians are the Philistines of the Bible and have been fighting Israel on and off for 4,000 years. Also the ' Occupied West Bank' is biblical Judea and Samaria , and definitely part of the land God covenanted to Abraham. Standing with Israel , when they are a secular society in rebellion against God , can be a hard ask , but as Bible believing Christians we have to affirm what the Bible tells us , and God is not a man that He should lie. The Bible tells Israel to treat the alien and foreigner decently , and the problem is they haven't. So what to do ? Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and hold fast to the Word of God. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. The Word of God has to overrule secular human thinking and the two state ' solution ' is no solution. Biblical prophecy tells us all the nations ( the United Nations?) will gather together against Israel. The current debate is , alas, all part of this process if only an early stage.
	Hannah (Guest)	11/07/2026 09:10
“………..if the Jews put down their weapons, there would be no more Israel…….” Golda Meir(Former prime minister of Israel) Am Israel Chai.
	Richard Hill (Guest)	10/07/2026 18:00
The Statement of the House of Bishops dated 22nd May 2025 was bad enough with outright misinformation eg. over the Al Ahli Hospital, and accusing Israel of "grave sin" without saying how they expected Israel to defend itself against an average of 3 rockets a day for 18 years! They recognised a Palestinian State, in defiance of International Treaties, and without asking the PA to abandon its "pay for slay" policy, its desire that Israel no longer exist or its hate materials in school text books! Or even saying the hostages should be released!! The C of E has a Race Relations Unit, costing a lot of money. Its initial report (118 pages) mentioned anti-semitism just once and that was a reference to historical anti-semitism, not current day, whilst travellers, gypsies and other minorities got a reference and now have days set aside to celebrate them. Jesus was described as a "Middle Eastern man" not a Jew! Amongst many testimonies of race issues, no Jew got in. As Bp Michael Nazir Ali wrote in a Spectator article, this is Critical Race Theory not anti-race. In Jews' hour of need, the C of E is passing by on the other side and giving an up to date example of the parable of the Good Samaritan! As an ordained member of the C of E I am ashamed, have written to the Archbishop of Canterbury about her statements (no response so far!) and will be writing to my Diocesan Bishop. I encourage others to do the same
	Michael Petek	10/07/2026 17:25
Well, indeed, David. Jew-hating Arab Christians who would rather live as dhimmi under Muslim overlordship than as equal citizens of Israel.
	David Baines (Guest)	10/07/2026 16:56
This Kairos document has been written by Jew Hating Arab Christians who only wish to eliminate the Jewish State from the map. Their motto, which is erroneously translated 'From the River to the sea Palestine shall be free' reads as follows: "From the waters to the waters Palestine shall be Arab". In Genesis 12:3 God promised Abraham: "Those that bless you them will I bless: those that curse you them will I curse".
	Michael Petek	10/07/2026 15:27
I share your sentiments, Crystal. For this reason I'm preparing a paper in some haste which I hope will find a way to the General Synod. It references the prophecy of Haggai 2:6-9 with an observation that it could have been fulfilled only at the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. I then observe that nine months - the period of human gestation - elapsed from the Feast of the Presentation on 2 February 1917 and the date of the Balfour Declaration on 2 November 1917. David was thirty years old when he became King of Israel (2 Samuel 5:4); Jesus was about thirty years old when He began His ministry (Luke 3:23). The State of Israel was proclaimed on 14 May 1948, about thirty years after the date of the Balfour Declaration. Abraham was born 1,948 years after the creation of Adam. The murderous work of the spirit of King Herod can be detected in the first public meeting of the Nazi Party held on 24 February 1920, at which Adolf Hitler presented the Party's 25-point programme. It can be detected in the legalisation of abortion in Soviet Russia on 18 November 1918. Both events are consistent with the characteristically petulant rage of Satan against his irreconcilable enemy Mary on account of her having given birth and on account of the great thing the Lord has done for her in making her the Mother of Israel. All this invites the faithful to recognise the return of the Jews to the land of Israel and the establishment of the State of Israel as a work of God, a sign that is spoken against for the fall and rise of many nations and a sign that God still speaks and acts today. And it is an occasion of judgement against the authors of the Kairos II Document who look as though disposed to feed the Muslim crocodile in the hope that it will eat them last.
	Ena Taylor (Guest)	10/07/2026 14:45
This would not only cause a further division and deeper misunderstanding between Christians and Jews, but also a bigger division in the Church of England, which has sadly refused to listen to God for too long over so many issues which face this nation today and should have been dealt with by the Church in the power of the Holy Spirit. They have allowed satan's evil ways to take hold and have even embraced many themselves, seeking to please "Man", which they haven't, rather than their God. They refuse to take responsibility for the situation this nation is now in, forgetting that God works through His Church to change things, when it stands firm in His Word, His strength and Will. Many continue to remain blind to God's love for His Covenant People and His unconditional promise to them and have no idea of the grief this causes their God, in ways they could never begin to imagine - they are in God's Plan from the beginning to the end - may the Church open its eyes - see, repent and act in the power of the Holy Spirit - what will God be forced to do, if it does not?
	Crystal (Guest)	10/07/2026 14:15
I tremble for this nation and especially for the church :-(

Synod debates paper on Israeli 'Genocide'

Concerns over Church of England's consideration of controversial Palestine document

Concerns from Church’s Ministry among Jewish People (CMJ)

Chief Rabbi calls on Church to reject Gaza ‘genocide’ document

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