The Moment of Grace and Opportunity
Moment of truth. Confession of faith. Call to action. These phrases sound familiar to those of us compelled and called by Kairos Palestine, the 2009 initiative that brings “a word of faith, hope and love” from the besieged Christian community of Palestine. In the years since 2009, Kairos Palestine has become a global movement. Churches have brought its […]
Checkpoint 300 controls travel between Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian people pass through it daily under the surveillance and questioning of rotating Israeli Defense Forces personnel. Observers with Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel also report for duty here; they count the numbers who travel and note the treatment commuting workers receive. Additionally, […]
In support of World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, Kairos USA is encouraging peace and justice advocates across the U.S. and around the world to demonstrate against the illegal West Bank separation wall. World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel is an annual event sponsored by the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum of the World Council of Churches. […]
Four years ago I was in Stuttgart, Germany for my first speaking tour in that country. My book had been published in German with the title Fatal Shame: Israel’s Politics and the Silence of the Christians. Several church groups eager to bring a message supportive of the Palestinian cause to German audiences had organized my visit. But […]
Every two years, the German Evangelical Church, which is a federation of the Lutheran and Reformed church denominations in Germany, holds the Kirchentag, or Church Assembly. This five-day congress brings together between 100,000 and 200,000 visitors. This year, dissatisfied with the Kirchentag’s non-acceptance of their program submissions, a coalition of several church-based networks in Germany […]
The story of Pentecost follows not long after Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. It recounts the dramatic scene from Acts 2 where an international, multi-ethnic mix of pilgrims have gathered Jerusalem. These visitors receive flaming, ear-shattering signs and gifts of the Spirit. Suddenly everyone is speaking foreign languages and being understood by strangers. Memorable preaching […]
As the Episcopal Church approaches its 78th General Convention in Salt Lake City this June, a new group has formed to advocate for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land. The Episcopal Committee for Justice in Israel and Palestine has issued a statement and resolution calling on the church to recognize the new political realities in […]
Traditional wisdom for the 40 days between the Resurrection and the Ascension of Christ advises, “Keep your eyes open. You just might run into the Risen Christ!” As the disciples discovered on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-27), such revelatory moments leave our hearts warmed and our spirits engaged. So it was at our Kairos […]
In March of 2011, I took my first trip to the Holy Land. In April of 2011, I met Mark Braverman, who I call “my brother from another mother.” Mark had just returned from South Africa, where he had met with South African and Palestinian theologians to discuss the founding of an international Kairos network. […]
Connections among the 125 people in attendance at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle crackled with energy on Feb. 28. Representatives from about 10 Christian denominations and at least three faith traditions took part. Participants included newcomers to the issues of justice in Palestine as well as longtime activists. The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Bishop […]
