Palestinian Christians are doubling down on their criticism of U.S. Catholic bishops regarding their stance on Israel and Zionism. The criticism centers on the bishops' perceived support for Israel, which Palestinian Christians believe overlooks their experiences. The dispute involves the USCCB's partnership with the American Jewish Committee and the use of the IHRA definition of antisemitism. Palestinian Christians are advocating for the U.S. Catholic Church to acknowledge their suffering and advocate for their rights, emphasizing their opposition to Israeli policies, not Jewish communities.
about 2 months ago
Kairos Palestine, an ecumenical Palestinian Christian organization, has criticized the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) over its stance on Israel and Zionism 1. The core of the disagreement stems from the USCCB's partnership with the American Jewish Committee (AJC) to create a Catholic edition of the "Translate Hate" document 1.
Kairos Palestine objects to the "Translate Hate" document's adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism 1. The organization argues that this definition equates criticism of Israeli policies with antisemitism, thus silencing legitimate concerns 1. The IHRA definition includes examples such as targeting the state of Israel or claiming its existence is a racist endeavor as potential manifestations of antisemitism 1.
Kairos Palestine asserts that the USCCB's actions ignore the suffering and rights of Palestinian Christians 1. They believe the "Translate Hate" document "dangerously equates Zionism with Judaism" and disregards evidence of ethnic cleansing of Palestinians 1. The organization views this as a betrayal by the USCCB, causing deep pain to a community struggling for survival 1.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the USCCB, responded by stating the partnership with the AJC was in response to rising antisemitism 1. He added that the USCCB stands with all who suffer and is also working on a document to combat Islamophobia 1. Kairos Palestine found this response "unacceptable," stating it lacked any indication that the USCCB intends to "stand with" Palestinian Christians or address their suffering 1.
Kairos Palestine issued an "open call" to the USCCB, urging them to recognize the suffering of Palestinians, denounce Israeli actions, and halt US military funding to Israel until it complies with international laws 1. They requested collaboration with the USCCB to create a resource reflecting the experiences of Palestinian Christians and asked the bishops to visit Palestine 1. They emphasize that resisting occupation is not antisemitism 1.
The Church addresses justice, peace, and human dignity in conflict.
The news article highlights a dispute between Kairos Palestine and the USCCB regarding the USCCB's stance on Israel and Zionism. This dispute touches on core tenets of Catholic social teaching, particularly concerning justice, peace, human dignity, and the Church's role in conflict resolution .
Kairos Palestine criticizes the USCCB's partnership with the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and its adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism . They argue that this definition equates criticism of Israeli policies with antisemitism, thereby silencing legitimate concerns and ignoring the suffering of Palestinian Christians . This raises questions about the Church's commitment to justice and human dignity for all, especially those marginalized or oppressed . The Church's social doctrine emphasizes the importance of defending human rights, promoting solidarity, and caring for the common home .
The USCCB, in response, stated that its partnership with the AJC was in response to rising antisemitism and that it stands with all who suffer . While the Church is unequivocally opposed to antisemitism, as highlighted by numerous papal statements and documents, Kairos Palestine argues that the USCCB's response lacks any indication that it intends to "stand with" Palestinian Christians or address their suffering . The Church's role is to proclaim the Gospel of love and peace by promoting justice and the spirit of brotherhood .
Catholic social teaching calls for a society reconciled in justice and love . The Church's social doctrine is characterized by a constant call to dialogue among all members of the world's religions so that together they will be able to seek the most appropriate forms of cooperation . Religion has an important role to play in the pursuit of peace, which depends on a common commitment to the integral development of the human person . The Church's concern for these aspects of the social life of peoples stems from the great esteem she has for the human being in his full integrity as a person, whose dignity cannot be subordinated to any other interest, exploited for other ends or violated in the name of any power .
The dispute between Kairos Palestine and the USCCB underscores the complexities of applying Catholic social teaching to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Church is called to defend the dignity of all human beings, promote justice, and work towards peace . This requires a commitment to both combating antisemitism and addressing the suffering of Palestinians. The Church must ensure that its efforts to combat antisemitism do not come at the expense of ignoring the rights and dignity of Palestinian Christians . A deeper evangelization of the People of God requires that the penetrating light of the Gospel is shed on every situation and circumstance which hinders the growth of Christ’s kingdom of truth and life, of holiness and grace, of justice, love and peace .