GC40 Implementation of Measures towards Peace in the Middle East (GC 40 2009 – 052)

That the 40th General Council 2009

1. Record its convictions that a just peace in the Middle East will require:

   • The denunciation of Human Rights abuses committed by Israel and Palestine, as documented by Amnesty International and the United Nations, that will result in Member States of the United Nations taking subsequent, appropriate actions;

   • That the occupation and siege of Gaza by Israel cease, requiring the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza;

   • That the Government of Canada and Member States of the United Nations support international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza;

   • The withdrawal of Israeli military forces to pre-1967 borders and ending all forms of violence by the Israeli Government upon the Palestinian people;

   • The cessation of suicide bombings and other violent attacks directed towards Israeli civilians on the part of Palestinians;

   • Recognition that East Jerusalem, West Bank and the Gaza Strip constitute an integral part of the territory occupied in 1967 and Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem must be dismantled;

   • The recognition by the emergent State of Palestine of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state within safe and secure borders;

   • The recognition by the Israeli Government and the emergent state of Palestine of equal citizenship rights, protections, privileges and responsibilities for all of their respective citizens regardless of religious or national origins.

2. Direct the General Secretary, General Council to inform the Prime Minister of Canada and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in writing, of the above convictions and urge that Canadian policy and commitments in the Middle East reflect this position.

3. Affirm The United Church of Canada’s participation in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel and seek further ways of augmenting our physical presence in the Middle East.

4. Support the principles of the Amman Call, particularly those that promote Peace-Making, Bridge-Building and the development of long term strategies for peace and right relations.

5. Direct the General Secretary, General Council, to engage in consultation, dialogue and study (with relevant partners and other interested parties), concerning implications of past and future actions to end the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory and enter into conversation as to how to move the two peoples toward reconciliation (including, but not limited to economic boycott), and to report to the 41st General Council 2012 and to provide continuing guidance to the other United Church courts until the 41st General Council 2012.

6. Recommend that the United Church Conferences, Presbyteries, congregations and community ministries immediately enter into consultation, dialogue, study, and prayer, and then to take appropriate action toward ending the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory (including, but not limited to boycott).

7. Affirm the United Church’s support of its partners through financial commitment, solidarity, delegations and ecumenical accompaniment.

GC40 2009 ROP, pp. 187-189 and 494-496