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Chief Rabbi condemns Church of England’s Kairos Palestine motion.

7/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis condemned the Church of England’s decision to engage with the Kairos Palestine document as shameful.
The General Synod postponed the vote on the motion and set a November debate.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews called the motion highly problematic, warning it could increase division.

History

Historical Context

In 1985 South African churches issued the Kairos anti-apartheid document, signed by 17 denominations and later endorsed by about 200 clergy. The 2009 Kairos Palestine declaration, drawing on that legacy, has sparked Jewish criticism and now faces opposition from Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and the Board of Deputies, echoing the earlier interfaith clash over political theology.

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Story summary

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis condemned the Church of England’s decision to engage with the Kairos Palestine document as shameful.
The General Synod postponed the vote on the motion and set a November debate.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews called the motion highly problematic, warning it could increase division.

1 / 2