A Message from the Social and Ecological Justice Commission
Last week, the Social and Ecological Justice Commission recognized and welcomed the Palestine Network – Shining Waters (PalNet SW) as a partner organization.
PalNet SW’s goal is to assist Shining Waters Region focus on human rights for Palestinians in response to the 2020 Cry for Hope from Kairos Palestine (representing many Palestinian Christian churches).
Palestine Network – Shining Waters includes people from many communities of faith, all with a strong history of advocacy for Palestine. More members are welcome so please share this information with social justice advocates in your local church.
The Network is also looking for assistance with communications, especially website development and social media.
To know more about PalNet SW, please review the following Mission and Goals that the network has adopted.
Mission
- Our primary focus and our sphere of influence are the communities of faith and individual members of Shining Waters Region of the United Church of Canada.
- We partner with those who focus more generally on all Canadians- with UNJPPI, with groups in other Regions, and with international and ecumenical groups.
- We seek to change attitudes and increase commitment to action by individuals and communities of faith to further the path towards a just peace in Palestine and Israel.
- We seek public leadership from Shining Waters Region and the United Church of Canada on human rights for Palestinians through economic pressure on multi-national businesses operating from or enabling illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Goals
- Education
Raise awareness among the people and communities of faith in the Shining Waters Region about the issues affecting Palestinians under occupation and encourage them to take actions to restore and uphold the human rights of Palestinians.
- Advocacy
Work to encourage the courts of The United Church of Canada to give public leadership on restoring and upholding the human rights of Palestinians by a) adopting a human rights investment lens for church groups holding trust funds and b) by divesting from multi-national businesses operating in or contributing to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.
As PalNet SW continues its work, please watch for notices on events and studies that will be of real interest to people in your local community of faith.
Contacts:
Chair: Rev. Dr. Robin Wardlaw, VAM, East End United Regional Ministry in Toronto.
Judi McCallum: judi.mccallum@outlook.com.
We look forward to working with Palestine Network – Shining Waters.
Rev. Susan Eagle
chair