Statement on Gaza

by RICHARD on NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Mark Wakelin, President of the British Methodist Conference, has made the following statement on the crisis in Gaza

“The ceasefire is good news and we will be praying that this will lead to a lasting truce and progress on the political front. One of the most disturbing aspects of the recent round of violence is the implication that violence might serve some constructive end. Rather violence diminishes us all. It represents a failure of all of us who are engaged with the region to convince parties that real progress can only be achieved when respect and dignity is afforded to every individual. Many Methodists have links with the people of Israel and Palestine, all of whom long to see security, justice and peace for everyone in Israel and Palestine.”

Amen.

Tagged as: gaza, israel

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

1 PamBG 11.23.12 at 12:11 am: Waiting to see how this gets construed as being anti-Semitic and anti-Israel.
2 geoffff 11.23.12 at 3:11 am: I have no idea why you should feel so defensive about antisemitism and anti-Israel Christian hysteria, PamBG. Honestly I have no idea at all.

That is an issue that only you can deal with.

The statement is a humane and perfectly reasonable observation by someone who is obviously a good and decent man.

I just wish all Christians could be like that.
3 Richard 11.23.12 at 8:42 am: Come, come, geofffffffff. If PamBG is being defensive (and I’m not at all convinced that she is) you know exactly why that is.

As to the President’s statement, for once we are in complete agreement. It has been very carefully written to offend none. I’m heartened that you agree that “One of the most disturbing aspects of the recent round of violence is the implication that violence might serve some constructive end.”
4 PamBG 11.23.12 at 11:45 am: Yes, Mark is a good and decent man and he’s also a friend of mine.

Good first approach, there, Geofffffffffffffffffffffffffff: “hysterical”. Projection, maybe?
5 geoffff 11.23.12 at 7:28 pm: I did not say I agree with the statement. All I said is that it is a humane and perfectly reasonable observation by someone who is obviously a good and decent man.

You sound disappointed that I have not accused him of antisemitism.

As it happens I do not agree. with him. There has been no implication from Israel or her supporters that violence serves some useful end. There is no celebration among Israelis about this.

Nor has there been any such implication from the “Palestinians”. (Another thing I disagree with by the way. Indulging these killer criminal regimes as if they are a legitimate expression of national aspiration equivalent to Israel)

The “Palestinians” haven’t implied it either. They have shouted from every roof top in Gaza that the murder of Jews is a divine duty. You would have to be deaf not to hear them.

The Jews are not deaf.
6 Richard 11.23.12 at 10:48 pm: OK, so we’re not in agreement after all. No surprise there, then.

Your position appears to be that Israel does no wrong. It merely responds to the evil of the Palestinians.

Mine is that all the violence in the Holy Land is wrong, but that Israel bears the greater responsibility (because it occupies the position of power).

And I’m the one that’s biased. Right.
7 geoffff 11.24.12 at 12:08 am: Your comment is awaiting moderation.

No. You are just wrong is all.

You are wrong because your frames of reference are too narrow.

You look at what you call the Holy Land and you see terrible violence and you are appalled by that as you have absolutely every right to be as a Christian and as a decent man.

You also see Israel as the overwhelmingly most powerful party and you deeply resent being suspected of antisemitism for pointing out what is to you an obvious fact.

I don’t blame you for that either.

I just wish you and all colleagues would stop being wrong.

You are much closer to Jerusalem than I am and I see something entirely different. Not just a little bit different. All the difference in the world.

I suppose you would expect that.

Richard, I want to continue this discussion but could I ask a small favour?

I believe it is important.

Will you visit my blog and listen to a short video of Colonel Richard Kemp just a few hours ago.

cross posted Israel Thrives