Jerusalem Declaration on Christian Zionism

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Jerusalem Declaration on Christian Zionism
29-Aug-06
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 programme provides a worldview where the Gospel is identified with the ideology of empire, colonialism and militarism. In its extreme form, it places 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

Nov. 7-17, 2006 Pilgrimage Team

A team of 14 will journey together as an Interfaith Pilgrimage of Peace to The Holy Land, The Holy People on 7- 17 November 2006
Please hold this team in your prayers as they seek peace with justice for all of God’s people in the Holy Lands.

Pilgrimage Itinerary
Nov. 7 - Day 1: Depart NYC- JFK Airport
Nov. 8 - Day 2: Arrive Amman. Orientation and Introduction to Pilgrimage, overnight in Amman
Nov. 9 - Day 3: Jerash (Mark 7:31), driving tour of Amman, TBA visits with Jordanian Christians, overnight in Amman
Nov. 10, 11, 12: Evenings in Jerusalem/Bethlehem
Day 4 Madaba, Mt. Nebo (Dt. 34), Baptismal site, transfer to King Hussein Bridge, Jericho
Day 5 Bethlehem, Old City walking tour, Church of the Nativity, Herodion, Shepherd’s Fields, Solomon’s Pools, 2nd Temple model, visit with NGOs, PM forum: TBA Israeli speaker
Day 6 Mt. Of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Old City, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, PM forum: TBA (Palestinian speaker)
Nov. 13-14: Evening in Nazareth
Day 7 Day 7 Wadi Qelt, St. George's Monastery, Qumran, Masada
Day 8: Jordan valley, boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, Mt. of the Beatitudes,
Nov. 15 - Day 9: Caeserea Maritima, Sepphoris, Nazareth, Basilica of the Annunciation, House of Hope or Prophet Elias College, overnight in Jerusalem/Bethlehem
Nov. 16-17: Day 10-11: Return to Amman, Jordan and prepare to return to US


Team Members:

Wanda Holcombe: Co-Leader of Team on behalf of the General Board of Church & Society - Methodist
Wanda has served since 1999 as the Peace With Justice Coordinator in the Southwest Texas Conference UMC as part of the nationwide program with the General Board of Church & Society.

Peter Miano: Co-Leader, Society for Biblical Studies - Executive Director - Methodist
Founder and Executive Director, Peter J. Miano, is a United Methodist minister. Educated in mission and biblical studies, experienced as a missionary and teacher in the Holy Land, the Rev. Miano pioneered the unique blend of mission experience and biblical study that we offer our participants.

Ron Campbell: Pastor - Southwest Texas Conference - Methodist
Associate Pastor of Outreach Ministries, Tarrytown United Methodist Church, Austin, Texas - Methodist
Rev. Ron Campbell joined the TUMC staff in June of 2000 as Associate Pastor in charge of Evangelism, Mission, and Church and Society. In Outreach Ministries Ron lead his congregation in ministry in the Austin area through involvement with hands-on-housing, habitat, prison ministries, mentoring and tutoring ministries and in ministry with Austin Area Interreligious Ministries.

Bruce Felker: Retired pastor - Texas Conference - Methodist
Reverend Bruce Felker 70 year old retired United Methodist Minister, member of the Texas Annual Conference.  Born and raised in Michigan serving as a campus minister at major state universities (Purdue, University of Michigan and Western Michigan University) in first 15 years under appointment, then the last 30 years with the Texas Annual Conference as a  pastor in churches in Greater Houston area & Beaumont, TX.. 

Paul “Iesa” Galloway: Board Member - Freedom & Justice Foundation - Muslim
A native born Texan Muslim, lesa accepted Islam nearly six years ago, has a Bachelors degree in History and a minor in Public Relations and is pursuing his Masters degree in PR. He is a current board member of the Freedom and Justice Foundation and the former Executive Director of the Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston).

Mohamed Elibiary: Freedom & Justice Foundation -  President & CEO - Muslim
The Freedom and Justice Foundation (F & J) is a statewide educational non-profit working to enhance Centrist Public Policy development and implementation in Texas. F&J Website: : http://www.freeandjust.org/ We elevate the organized Texas Muslim community's public policy voice with local, state and federal level government officials. Though we support civil and religious liberties policy advocacy, our focus is in the formulation of Education and Heath Care Policy at the Local and State Levels and National Security Policy at the Federal Level. 

Trish Perdue : Youth Director - Southwest Texas Conference - Methodist
"Trish Perdue, who recently turned 29, has been the Director of Youth Ministries at Tarrytown United Methodist Church, Austin, Texas for more than six years. Trish graduated from Florida State University in spring of 2000, where she volunteered and was an intern with her home town youth group. Upon graduation Trish settled in Austin, TX where she enjoys not only ministry, but her two dogs, college football, and her fiance (Jeff).

Kathy Sinclair: Retired Public School Teacher - Texas Conference - Methodist
Kathy Sinclair is a retired public school teacher, wife of a retired United Methodist Minister, turning 76 yrs old October 22, 2006.  Has hosted exchange students from Japan, a refugee family of 5 from Cambodia, Worked with people from around the globe in several month long research assemblies of the Institute of Cultural Affairs.  Has participated in United Methodist Women's global studies, worked intensly with a comprehensive HIV/AIDS ministry and the speakers bureau of Pflag (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).

Tim Snart: Pastor - Illinois - Presbyterian
Pastor if the First Presbyterian Church, Coal Valley, IL which is a part of the Quad Cities, (Rock Island & Moline, IL and Davenport & Bettendorf, IA)  I have been Pastor here for 12 years.  I begin a month long study leave on Oct. 20th which will lead right into our pilgrimage.  I served for five years in a rural parish in East Iowa before coming to Coal Valley.  I went to Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. My prayer is that God will guide my path in such a way that the things I learn and experience in Israel with all of you, will somehow become a blessing to our faith community in Coal Valley.

Donald Washburn: Pastor - Troy Annual Conference - Methodist
A United Methodist pastor in Burnt Hills, New York.  I love God, people, peace, study, and the Holy Land.  This trip will bring all of these and I am really excited about it.  I have been working as a member of the Turtle Island Trust, for peaceful relations between New York State, the US Government and the Native People at Ganienkeh (a Mohawk Territory near Plattsburg, New York).  I thankfully received the Troy Annual Conference “Peace With Justice Award” for my efforts there.  I had a trip to the Holy Land about 10 years ago and see a call for unity.in so many ways in the Holy Land itself.  We have hosted a series, with faith-filled Islamic speakers on “Islam and Christianity”.  We always take our Confirmation class to a Synagogue worship experience each year and are richer for the experience.  I am thankful for our common ground and am looking forward to appreciating that even more on the trip. 

George Washburn; Physical Therapits - Virginia - Methodist
Bryane Washburn: Property Manager - Virginia - Baptist
George Washburn is the son of a Methodist pastor from upstate New York. George grew up doing community outreach programs, participating in food drives and fund raisers, and he was on the board of trustees. He moved to South Carolina in 1999 to pursue his education. George is now a in a private practice called the Virginia Center for Spine and Sports Therapy.

Bryane Schumpert Washburn is from Williston, South Carolina. She is Baptist. She taught Sunday School, lead GA (Girls in Action), coordinated and taught Vacation Bible School, and paticipated in community outreach programs. She attended the University of South Carolina and has her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Marketing. In Charleston, Bryane participated in Bible Studies. Bryane is currently leading Beth Moore's Daniel Bible Study. George and Bryane met in Greenville, SC in 1999. Bryane works for Gumenick Properties as a property manager, managing 267 luxury townhomes and single-family houses. George and Bryane currently reside in Chesterfield, VA.

Mae Beth Whaley: Teacher - North Texas Conference - Methodist
Mae Beth has lived in north-central Texas all her life, and nowlives in Bowie, Texas. She is the mother of one 35-year-old son who, with his wife and their 3 children, also live in the Bowie area. She received her BBA from Texas Woman's University in 1995. Since retiring from Verizon, formerly GTE, Mae Beth has worked in a branch of the Irving, TX library and now teaches children enrolled in Bowie’s Even Start Early Childhood Development Program. She volunteers in the local Hospital Auxiliary and is the Social Action Coordinator for the Wichita Falls Division of United Methodist Women.

Tubanur Yesilhark: Masters of Arts Student - Hartford Seminary - Muslim
Currently, I am an international student at the Hartford Seminary, studying “Islamic Studies and Christian Muslim Relations” in the Master of Arts program. This is my 3rd semester now and hopefully I will start writing my Master Thesis next semester. My faith is Islam, and I am a Muslim. I am interested in this study tour because this is actually what I am studying now and what I will focus on in the future, when I start doing my PhD in Comparative Religious Studies.