Story perspectives

Church Synod to Hear Gaza Report Amid Antisemitism Fears

7/13/2026

Summary

Church Synod Votes

On 13 July 2026 Church of England Synod voted to hear the Kairos Palestine report.
The report calls the Gaza war genocidal and labels Israel a colonial, settler entity.
Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally said the motion lets Church stand with Christians and affirm freedom for all.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and the Board of Deputies of British Jews warned the report offers an antisemitic narrative that could harm relations.

Summary

Pastor Warns Displacement

The pastor traveled with Archbishop Hosam through the Diocese of Jerusalem, noting fear among Palestinians, Israelis and warning that West Bank settlement growth is displacing thousands and threatening Christian village of Taybeh.
At Nova Exhibition in London, he linked the trauma of the 7 October attacks to inter-faith dialogue.
He supported Synod amendments 46, 48 and 49, urging solidarity, observance of humanitarian law, prayer to unite Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities.

History

Historical Context

On 9 September 1993 Israel and the PLO exchanged letters of mutual recognition, and on 13 September 1993 signed the Oslo I Accord, creating the Palestinian Authority and ending the First Intifada. The accord’s emphasis on dialogue underpins the July 2026 Church of England Synod, led by Archbishop Sarah Mullally, which voted to hear a Palestine report despite Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis’s objections.

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Church Synod Votes

On 13 July 2026 Church of England Synod voted to hear the Kairos Palestine report.
The report calls the Gaza war genocidal and labels Israel a colonial, settler entity.
Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally said the motion lets Church stand with Christians and affirm freedom for all.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and the Board of Deputies of British Jews warned the report offers an antisemitic narrative that could harm relations.

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