Church leaders oppose further annexation of the West Bank
Church leaders from the United Reformed Church, Church of Scotland, Quakers in Britain, Methodist Church, Church of England and Catholic Church have called on the UK government to help deter annexation of the West Bank, which could begin from 1 July:
“We stand alongside the Holy Land's Christian leaders, who have warned that the Israeli government's plan to annex parts of the West Bank after 1 July 'would bring about the loss of any remaining hope for the success of the peace process'.
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Annexation ... would gravely undermine international law
- Church leaders
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“All our Churches are committed to promoting justice and peace for everyone who calls the Holy Land their home. If annexation proceeds, it would gravely undermine international law with serious consequences for the common good of our global society.
“The UK government should do everything in its power to deter annexation. Only a robust response, working alongside others in the international community, can help to prevent this tragedy.
“We remain united in prayer that plans for annexation will be abandoned, allowing for renewed efforts towards a negotiated solution that upholds the human dignity of Palestinians and Israelis alike."
signed
Derek Estill, Moderator of the General Assembly, United Reformed Church
Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of Scotland
Paul Parker, Recording Clerk, Quakers in Britain
Rev Dr Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Methodist Conference
Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, Church of England
Rt Rev Declan Lang, Bishop of Clifton, Catholic Church