51ÊÓƵ

Israel and Palestine

Over many years, the United Reformed Church has sought to engage with, and respond to, issues arising from the relationship and conflicts between Israel and Palestine, both historic and current.

An overview of the United Reformed Church’s responses is presented here:

Israel-Palestine overview (Word document)

Israel-Palestine overview (PDF document)

 

Ecumenical visit to Israel Palestine 2023

In November 2023, senior representatives of the United Reformed Church (51ÊÓƵ) joined with colleagues from the Church of Scotland and UK Methodist Church on an ecumenical visit to Israel and Palestine. There were two group leaders from the Church of Scotland, one from the Methodist Church, and one from the 51ÊÓƵ. Each denomination had eight other representatives.

Interfaith opportunities were incorporated throughout the visit. Representatives heard from Rabbis for Human Rights and from a Jewish contact, and visited Yad Vashem. Muslim Palestinian voices were also heard at various points in the visit, particularly during time spent in Hebron.

The political and social conditions in the region at the time of the visit were precarious, and demonstrating practical solidarity with those who were suffering was vital.

The 51ÊÓƵ continues to pray and work for a solution that benefits every religious community: Jewish, Muslim or Christian.

Walking the Tightrope

Walking the Tightrope was a collaboration between the United Reformed Church and the Forum for the Discussion of Israel and Palestine (FODIP). It is offered to anyone considering a pilgrimage to the region.

The film, which lasts about half an hour, is a practical and easily accessible resource aimed at encouraging people to undertake a visit that engages with real people and their present day circumstances. .

Dome of the Rock and Western Wall, Jerusalem
Image © Laurence Wareing