[UK] Methodist Church to boycott goods from illegal Israeli settlements

The Methodist Church has today voted to boycott all products from Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, and to encourage Methodists across Britain to do the same.

The decision is a response to a call from a group of Palestinian Christians, a growing number of Jewish organisations, both inside Israel and worldwide, and the World Council of Churches. A majority of governments recognise the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories as illegitimate under international law.

Christine Elliott, Secretary for External Relationships, said, “This decision has not been taken lightly, but after months of research, careful consideration and finally, today’s debate at the Conference. The goal of the boycott is to put an end to the existing injustice. It reflects the challenge that settlements present to a lasting peace in the region.

“We are passionate about dialogue across communities and with people of all faiths. We remain deeply committed to our relationships with our brothers and sisters of other faiths, and we look to engage in active listening so that we act as agents of hope together.”

In December, Defra [Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] introduced new advice on labelling, recommending that packaging of products imported from the West Bank should distinguish between Palestinian areas and Israeli settlements.

The Conference also adopted a statement calling for a full arms embargo against all sides in the conflict. “This conflict is further fuelled by partisan support by other countries. Violence from all parties in this conflict must be denounced, and a just peace sought for all peoples living in the region,” said Christine.

The move to boycott is just one among a number of measures agreed by the Conference, which also include a commitment to regular and informed prayer for the needs of those in region. Methodists across Great Britain are also encouraged to visit the region, write to their MPs and engage in respectful dialogue with Jews and Muslims on this issue.

For press and media enquiries please contact the Methodist Church Media Service

Lead Media Officer: Anna Drew
Tel 020 7467 5191
Fax 020 7467 5229
Mobile/out of hours 07881 783 812

Media Officer: Karen Burke
Tel 020 7467 5208
Fax 020 7467 5229
Mobile 07969985376

THE METHODIST CHURCH OF GREAT BRITAIN
http://methodist.org.uk/index.cfm
Methodist Church Help Desk
Tel: 020 7486 5502
Email: helpdeskmethodistchurch.org.uk

The Methodist Church is one of the largest Christian churches serving Great Britain, with nearly 265,000 members and regular contact with over 800,000 people. It has about 5,800 churches in Great Britain, and also maintains links with other Methodist churches totaling a worldwide membership of 70 million. Its activities, both alone and with ecumenical and secular partners, are based on four aims known as Our Calling:

To increase awareness of God’s presence and to celebrate God’s love
To help people to grow and learn as Christians through mutual support and care
To be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice
To make more followers of Jesus Christ.

For more information contact:
Anna Drew Lead
Media Officer
Methodist Church House
25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR
T 020 7467 5191

Related links from the UK Methodist Church website:

Methodist boycott of goods from illegal Israeli settlements
(FAQs on Israel-Palestine debate) http://methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.content&cmid=3146
Justice for Palestine and Israel (The Methodist Conference Report) http://www.methodistconference.org.uk/assets/downloads/confrep-14-justice-for-palestine-israel-170510.pdf

Source URL:

http://methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=453