I realize we have set ourselves a huge task – to involve people who are relatively new to the issue and to speak to those who are very immersed about the issue and passionate about seeking change.
Some of us in the United Church have been involved with this issue since 2012 and even longer. I was at General Council in 2006 when there was heated debate about this issue. We have struggled to get the United Church to speak out and we have pushed back against the resistance we experienced from some United Church leaders. On the other hand we have been supported by some excellent United Church staff. Take a look at this – https://www.uccpin.org/ - the website of the Network of the United Church of Christ in the U.S. I am envious of what they have been able to accomplish and how they have congregations supporting them. UNJPPI has moved the conversation along and perhaps this year the United Church of Canada will make a strong statement. I tend to have big dreams and big hopes. I am sad that 7 years after we had excellent presentations on BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) that we haven’t actively promoted it. Recently this has changed somewhat. I think about how change happens and the influence we as a Network have. We are powerless to change Israel. It is not our place to tell Palestinians what they should do. We can respond to what they ask us to do. And the “Cry for Hope” is quite specific. Our sphere of influence is people in the United Church, other Canadians and our government. I was drawn to Shadia’s comment “I have a love/hate relationship with hope”. When I see another story of a 12 year old savagely injured and his two cousins killed right beside him or an eighty year old man left to die or people from the Tent of Nations who declare “we refuse to be enemies” beaten by their own neighbours, I am filled with disgust and a sense of hopelessness. Jonathan Kuttab talks about a spiritual change being needed. I would also say systemic change is needed and we need to find the inner strength and courage to work for justice by advocating for systemic change. As you can see I hold high hopes for what can come out of our Gathering and I appreciate everything you are doing to make the Gathering a thoughtful and encouraging event. As I wrote a rainbow and a golden sunset appeared!! Marianna Harris.
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