Peacemaking and Palestine
This webpage has three purposes:
- To help you reflect theologically on what is happening
- To bring you factual information about what is happening in Palestine
- Encourage you to become a peacemaker
Reflecting theologically
To grasp theologically what is going on in Palestine is not easy and takes effort. It is not that the situation is complex. It is not. The State of Israel, with the assistance of the United States and other allies, has both occupied and been committing a genocide in Palestine. What is difficult is getting beyond our white middle class assumptions and biases to grasp the steadfast commitment of God to the people of Palestine, and what that means for us in Australia.
A good starting point on this journey of faith is to listen closely to Palestinian theologians who have been trying to alert us for decades to the theological implications. Two Palestinian theologians who are also excellent communicators are Mitri Raheb and Isaac Munther. Isaac Munther’s book Christ in the Rubble: Faith, The Bible, and The Genocide in Gaza is outstanding. There are also numerous YouTube videoclips of Isaac Munther’s speeches and reflections. His speech at Harvard Divinity School is a good example.
Another important Palestinian voice is the Palestine Christian Ecumenical Initiative known as Kairos Palestine. Its recent statement A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide is an important theological and practical reflection.
The World Council of Churches has also made some significant statements including the WCC Statement Seeking Hope for a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel Nov 2025
Some important podcasts
Pope Leo’s Prophetic Words. My response. The Munther Isaac Podcast.
John Na’em Snobar: Peace with Justice
John Na’em Snobar is a former Australian Diplomat and the Director of Advocacy for Palestinian Christians in Australia. He also is the grandson of the first Palestinian Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem. In the tradition of Christian liberation theologies, John shines a light of hope on the steadfast refusal to dehumanise even enemies in living out nonviolent resistance and working for peace with
An important YouTube
The weight of complicity, Lamma Mansour, Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice, Church at the Crossroads 2025
Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice
Through academic courses, research, and public programs, the Institute equips the global church to engage faithfully with the pressing issues of justice and peace in the Palestinian context
The Munther Isaac Podcast. Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice
Pastor Munther Isaac hosts Palestinian theologians, clergy, and leaders for conversations that highlight and empower the voice of Palestinian Christians. Conversations range from discussing the life of Palestinian Christians under occupation, and their perspectives and theological reflections about the Palestine question.
What is happening in Palestine now
Gaza risks ‘permanent’ state of limbo if transition plan stalls, Security Council hears 21 May 2026
Netanyahu claims Israel protects Christians. Rev Munther Isaac responds. Podcast. Jan 24 2026
Mike Huckabee is interfering with the work and witness of churches in the Holy Land with a goal of silencing Palestinian Christians Rifat Kassis, Mondoweiss, Jan 27, 2026
Accompaniers in Palestine and Israel keep continual pursuit of peace. WCC, 27 January, 2026
Israeli crews target UN facilities for Palestinian refugees in east Jerusalem. Religion News Service, 20 January 2026
Israel: Ban on 37 aid groups makes life unbearable for genocide survivors in Palestine, say UN experts. UN Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner, 16 January, 2026
During Gaza’s ceasefire, children keep being killed. UNICEF, 13 January, 2026
Aid continues despite winter hardship in Gaza and West Bank, UN says Jan 8 2026 UN
Obstruction of Aid Continues in Gaza Jan 6, 2026 MAPW
Becoming a peacemaker in Australia
One of the best places to start in becoming a peacemaker for Palestine is the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network (PIEN). Their website has a great number of excellent resources.
Consider also attending one of the rallies in support of Palestine. These are occurring regularly all over the country. Details can often be found on the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network website or by joining a local Facebook group.
Many progressive Christians support Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Australia. This is consistent with the WCC’s statement in June 2025 WCC central committee: end apartheid, occupation, and impunity in Palestine and Israel.
The Palestinian Christians in Australia organisation (PCiA) was formed to provide a home for the many proud Palestinian Christians spread across Australia. PCiA aims to create an inclusive, democratic, non-denominational and credible platform that provides a voice of those Christians who are united in their belief and culture.
Friends of Sabeel Australia Inc was formed in 2003 to support the work of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem