CHRISTIAN AID has released three latest movies and written resources to bring Palestinian voices “closer to church communities”, in a move “to construct people’s understanding and break the silence”.
The short movies (between three and 6 minutes long) are a part of the charity’s A Just Peace initiative. They consist of interviews that “bring together the voices of UK Christians and Palestinians” to “help churches start their very own conversations and inspires them to act for a just peace”, a press release from the charity says.
The written resources include a “Just Peace” order of service and an “event guide” for a 90-minute session that “explores justice and peace for Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory”.
The Minister of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, in London, the Revd Dr Simon Woodman, who took part within the movies, described the resources as helping churches to have “careful, responsible, and faithful” discussions concerning the conflict. He said that, often, “well-meaning worries can find yourself serving as a sort of moral paralysis; in effect, they mean turning a blind eye.”
The Revd Claire Whitmore, an organiser of Christians for Palestine, also took part. She hoped that the resources could “help Christians discover a way in, and the courage to hope and act together as a church”.
Christian Aid’s campaigns and organising officer, Jess Hall, said: “We understand people may shrink back from conversations about Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, seeing it as too difficult, controversial, or uncomfortable. We know it may be difficult for churches to work out where to begin.
“The movies can be found for download to make use of in services or discussion events, and the accompanying resources, which include an order of service and event guide, will be used flexibly to fit your church or meeting.”
Downloads at: christianaid.org.uk
