In a landmark announcement, the WCC’s Central Committee calls for targeted sanctions, divestment, and arms embargoes on Israel. Palestinian Christians are calling it “a turning point in the moral and theological witness of the global church.” 

Palestinian Christians are criticizing a World Council of Churches statement for ignoring the context of the October 7 attacks and refusing to call out the unfolding Gaza genocide.

Ten months ago, the World Council of Churches agreed to study the question of Israeli apartheid “and for its governing bodies to respond appropriately.” There is no sign that process has started.

In a move that could have far-reaching impact, the World Council of Churches agreed to study the issue of Israeli apartheid despite a German church’s attempt to block the decision.

Palestinian Christians join international human rights organizations and a growing number of church bodies in naming Israel as an apartheid state. 

According to the WCC’s governing body, the “occupation continues to contradict the equal human dignity and human rights of Palestinians while the response of the international community continues to reflect egregious double standards.”

Brian J. Brown, a Methodist minister who was banned in his native South Africa in 1977 for anti-apartheid work, writes that apartheid in Israel/Palestine is in many ways more brutal than it was in his country, including checkpoints and barriers and expulsions. His new book says that recognition of that apartheid and total opposition to it is mandatory for any person or church that claims to follow Christian teachings.