*** DEBUG START ***
*** DEBUG END ***

Ecumenical action rather than ‘lone voice’ needed for the Palestinians

by
22 June 2011

iStock

From the Revd Ron Ingamells

Sir, — Once again, a lone voice speaks up for the Palestinian people (Comment, 17 June). It is now 22 years since I was a member of a British Council of Churches delegation, under the leadership of Bishop Sam Poyntz. The report Impressions of Intafada was heavily criticised by many Israeli organisations. The sadness is that Bishop Llewellin’s article echoes all the impressions gained 22 years ago, except that Gaza is now in a worse situation, and the people live in the shadow of that appalling Wall.

I get constant updates from the Joint Initiative of the YMCA and the YWCA regarding the stealing of land and the destruction of olive trees. During our visit in 1989, we met leaders of Palestinian churches as well as Israeli representatives, and concluded that the life of Palestin­ians was intolerable.

I quote from the report: “It is not sufficient for a delegation from the BCC to visit an area and its people and make a report to the Assembly. Arising from a new awareness of need we are called to continue in supportive action.”

Since then, many delegations and individuals have visited and reported on the same situation. Surely it is time for the Churches, together with the partners in Chris­tian Aid, the YMCA and YWCA, and many others, including joint Jewish and Christian organisations, to make a determined and powerful effort to inform and mobilise vocal support for the Palestinian people.

The Bishop wrote: “I am, without apology, deeply critical of the policies of the Israeli government towards Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.” This lone voice now needs to be translated into the strongest ecumenical action. Another day of prayer for the Palestinians, together with political lobbying and fund-raising, is now imperative. The human rights of the Palestinians are too important to be sidelined again.

RON INGAMELLS
2 Aragon Close, Buckden
Cambridgeshire PE19 5TY

Browse Church and Charity jobs on the Church Times jobsite

Letters to the editor

Letters for publication should be sent to letters@churchtimes.co.uk.

Letters should be exclusive to the Church Times, and include a full postal address. Your name and address will appear below your letter unless requested otherwise.

Forthcoming Events

Women Mystics: Female Theologians through Christian History

13 January - 19 May 2025

An online evening lecture series, run jointly by Sarum College and The Church Times

tickets available

 

Festival of Faith and Literature

28 February - 2 March 2025

tickets available

 

Visit our Events page for upcoming and past events 

The Church Times Archive

Read reports from issues stretching back to 1863, search for your parish or see if any of the clergy you know get a mention.

FREE for Church Times subscribers.

Explore the archive

Welcome to the Church Times

 

To explore the Church Times website fully, please sign in or subscribe.

Non-subscribers can read four articles for free each month. (You will need to register.)