British Christian Leaders Criticize Archbishop of Canterbury’s Statements

Some British Christian leaders have criticized the statements made by the Archbishop of Canterbury regarding Israeli attacks on Palestine and Israeli occupation.

Last week, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, emphasized the need to “end the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel, which is a legal and moral necessity” and called on governments worldwide to respect international law. He also stated: “Over recent decades, I have repeatedly visited my Christian brothers and sisters in Palestine, and it is now clear to me that the regime imposed by successive Israeli governments is systematic discrimination.”

Some British Christian leaders, while condemning the statements of Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the highest religious leader of the official Church of England regarding the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel, issued a statement. These Christian leaders, while considering the ruling of the International Court of Justice at The Hague to be contrary to the teachings of the Bible, declared: “This court’s verdict is biased, ignorant, naive, and ultimately unbiblical. However, Archbishop Justin Welby insists in his statement that governments around the world maintain their “unwavering commitment” to all decisions of the International Court of Justice. For a Christian leader to express such unlimited confidence in the commands of secular powers is shocking, as it ignores the biblical truth that the world is under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19) and rulers take counsel against the Lord (Psalm 2). Obedience to those in authority (Romans 13:1-7) does not obligate us to consider all current international legal opinions to be infallible and fair. Let us remember that unanimity has never and is not a guarantee of justice (Acts 4:27).

We must know that spiritual forces are determined to thwart the return of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem when it is no longer under the rule of foreign governments (Luke 21:24), when the Jewish people will be ready to welcome their Jewish Messiah (Matthew 23:37-39). Based on God’s word which says: His coming upon all nations that “have divided my land” (Joel 2:3) On that day I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all nations; all who try to lift it will injure themselves. When all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, Zechariah (12:3).

We pray that the British nation and our church leaders will change their course. Instead, let us join many of our Arab and Palestinian brothers and sisters who celebrate the establishment of the Jewish people in this land with us (Jeremiah Chapter 32, Verses 36-41).”

The statement also reads: “If Jesus promised the rule of the Jewish people over Jerusalem, who are we to divide his land?”