CHRISTIAN AID has released three new films and written resources to bring Palestinian voices “closer to church communities”, in a move “to build people’s understanding and break the silence”.
The short films (between three and six minutes long) are 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 own conversations and inspires them to act for a just peace”, a statement 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 in the films, described the resources as helping churches to have “careful, responsible, and faithful” discussions about the conflict. He said that, often, “well-meaning worries can end up serving as a kind 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 find a way in, and the courage to pray and act together as a church”.
Christian Aid’s campaigns and organising officer, Jess Hall, said: “We understand people may shy away from conversations about Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, seeing it as too difficult, controversial, or uncomfortable. We know it can be challenging for churches to work out where to start.
“The films are available for download to use in services or discussion events, and the accompanying resources, which include an order of service and event guide, can be used flexibly to suit your church or meeting.”
Downloads at: christianaid.org.uk
