GC45 SW02 Affirm the Imperative of a Palestinian State for Summer 2025

Origin: Palestine Network – Shining Waters Region 

1. What is the issue? Why is it important?

We believe all peoples of the world, including Indigenous people, deserve freedom, peace, justice and self-determination, and that our calling as people of faith is to support such rights.

2. What is happening now?

The people of Palestine currently do not enjoy any of these rights and are subject to discrimination, detention, eviction, expulsion, violence and death under the illegal occupation of the State of Israel. A July, 2024 ruling of the International Court of Justice advised the United Nations that a genocide is taking place in Gaza. 

3. What is the recommendation?

That the 45th General Council affirm our hope for all the people of Israel and Palestine to enjoy freedom, peace, justice, and national self-determination, and affirm our hope for the creation of a Palestinian State, coexisting with the Jewish State of Israel;  and that in support of these hopes, make them known to the Government of Canada, strongly urging the Government to recognize Palestine as a state and use its influence to help bring about the creation of the State of Palestine in law and on the ground;  and that it communicate this affirmation and course of action to congregations, encouraging them to study the issue and join it in urging action by Canada. 

4. Background information:

The General Assembly of the United Nations has directed all nations of the world to bring pressure to bear on the State of Israel to cease its campaign of destruction in Gaza, and to negotiate a just and peaceful end to its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory. 

5. How does this proposal help us to live into our church's commitments on equity?

The United Church has long upheld the right of Palestinians to live in peace and dignity. This proposal reaffirms that support and calls on congregations and other communities of faith to add their voices to the call for a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel. It builds on the Justice Principles for advocacy work of The United Church of Canada as the foundation of a principle-based approach to Palestine-Israel, namely the principles of anti-oppression; respect for human dignity; full participation and decolonization; and equity, mutuality, respect and reparations. 


For the body transmitting this proposal to the General Council: 
Please select the appropriate option and provide the key discussion points for items being forwarded to the General Council: 
☑ Agree
☐ Disagree without forwarding to the General Council
☐ Disagree and forwarding to the General Council

If you have questions regarding this proposal, please send them to: GCinfo@united-church.ca