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Dec. 2016 – UMKR has a (slightly) new name: United Methodists for Kairos Response
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UMKR emails bring you news about current justice work, action alerts, and great resources for learning and action. Usually 1 newsletter and 1 action alert per month.
Sign the Petition
For UMC clergy and employees:you are the stakeholders in the services provided by the UM General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. Let them know you want occupation-free investments.
Sign the petition to GBPHB
Settlements Boycott
The UMC has called for a global ban on products from Israeli settlements. See many familiar products & how you can support the boycott. Learn more
TOUR: Obliterated Families
Anne Paq, a member of the Activestills photo collective, and reporter Ala Qandil will be touring the US from April 1 - 26 with their multimedia web documentary, Obliterated Families, an award-winning web documentary about families from the Gaza Strip whose lives were shattered in the Israeli offensive in 2014. It tells the stories of some of these families, of their loved ones who were killed, and of those who survived. The web documentary, now in English and in French, is available at http://obliteratedfamilies.com/en/
The web documentary is divided into ten chapters, each devoted to the story of one family. The chapters provide historical, social and political context about the Gaza Strip. The web documentary
format uses photos, in-depth texts, animation, infographics, short videos and design to bring the audience closer to the reality of life in the Gaza Strip. Forward and introduction by Amira Hass and Raja Shehadeh. The web documentary also features a 13 min film: Gaza. A Gaping Wound.
The general schedule of the tour (which is still flexible):
April 1 - April 18: East Coast and Midwest
April 18 - April 26: West Coast
Individuals and groups that are interested in host screenings, photo exhibitions, and presentations of their web documentary during this US tour should contact: Ala Qandil ala.qandil@gmail.com and Anne Paq annepaq@gmail.com
Groups maybe asked to contribute donations to assist with travel expenses.
MAIL
General Inquiries:
United Methodist Kairos Response
c/o Rev. John Wagner
120 South Broad Street
Middletown, OH 45044
Donations/Financial Correspondence:
United Methodists for Kairos Response
c/o William P. Aldrich
42 Gaspee Point Drive • Warwick, RI 02888
Make donations payable to our fiscal agent:
Open Table of Christ UMC
Write on the memo line: UMKR
Action
Events
Noteworthy News in 2016
United Methodist regional bodies oppose "anti-BDS" legislation – September 2016
UMKR questions Israeli crackdown on humanitarian aid – August 2016
Congressional Briefing on the impact of Settlement Expansion - February 2016
United Methodist Pension Fund Excludes and Divests from Israeli Banks - January 2016
Noteworthy News in 2015 & earlier
UMKR celebrates Boycott Success in Palestinian Territories - October 2015
Read the press release
Eight United Methodist annual conferences vote for divestment in 2015
See the press release
UMKR welcomes new UM investment fund, while noting problems - January 2015
See the press release
Landmark action: United Methodist Pension board divests from G4S - June 2014
See the press release.
Selective Divestment
Throughout the church, the call is growing for the UMC to cut its financial ties to the Israeli occupation that it has long opposed Learn more
Israel/Palestine 101
Prepare for peacemaking by learning the basics: the history of this conflict and the real situation today. We have some easy ways to get started. Learn more
2017 Resolutions for Annual Conferences:
HP boycott, protecting the right to boycott, Holy Land travel,
new church investment fund! See and download them all
Changing U.S. Policy
It is time for a change in U.S. policies regarding Israel/Palestine. Find out how UMKR and allies are making an impact in Washington & get involved. Learn more
Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2017
Confronting Chaos, Forging Community:
Challenging Racism, Materialism and Militarism
April 21-24 • Arlington, VA
A gathering of nearly 1000 Christian advocates, to learn, network, and advocate with Congress. This conference always includes some good workshops on Israel/Palestine and concludes with optional visits to legislators on the Hill.
The 2017 theme builds upon Dr. Martin Luther King's final book and the fiftieth anniversary of his historic, final speech at Riverside Church in New York City. A new time calls for new strategies. The dynamic movement of people of faith and conscience today to challenge these "giant triplets" of chaos is taking different forms from those of the civil rights era. But the same courage and commitment to bring about national and social transformation animates the new generation of activists. This year's EAD gathering will address racism/white privilege, economic injustice and militarization at home and abroad.
Learn more: https://advocacydays.org/
CONNECT
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Want to know more about our work?
We would love to hear from you! info@kairosresponse.org
Worship & Devotional Resources
Enrich your spiritual connection to the cause of justice in the Holy Land, with diverse materials for congregations & personal devotions. See the resources
Is It Apartheid?
Find out what an international team of legal scholars - commissioned by the South African government - said about the Israeli occupation. See the answer
Responsible Tourism
Be more than a tourist in the Holy Land. See remarkable tours that will show you biblical history and introduce you to the people of the land. Learn more
Stronger together
Advocate with UMKR for a
just peace in the Holy Land
Add your voice to thousands of United Methodists who advocate for equality and freedom for all the people of Israel and Palestine. Consider working with one of UMKR's committees or focus on advocacy in your area.
Answering the urgent call from Palestinian Christians
~ in Kairos Palestine: A Moment of Truth ~
for effective action to end the Israeli occupation and achieve a just peace in the Holy Land.
Giving changes everything
Support the work of UMKR
With limited resources,
UMKR has made a remarkable
impact in the UMC. But this vital peace and justice work can only continue with the support of those who believe in it. Gifts of any size WILL make a difference!
Donate securely online or by mail.
Discovery
2017 News
UMKR welcomes new UMC investment fund: Equities Social Values Plus Fund
See the press release
UMKR Calls for Boycott of HP Products
15 Christian organizations send a Briefing Paper on Israel/Palestine
to the Trump Administration and the U.S. Congress.
12 UMC Holy Land Missionaries Publish Open Letter to Donald Trump:
"Don't move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem."
Palestinian Pastor Sends Open Letter to UK Prime Minister
Recalling the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, Rev. Alex Awad calls on PM for a new path for Britain regarding Israel/Palestine
UMKR Prepares 6 New Resolutions for 2017 Conferences
See and download the resolutions
FOSNA Lenten Study for 2017 added to UMKR Worship Resources
7 Recommended Holy Land Trips in 2017
Kairos Palestine
Palestinian Christians have called on us to help end the Israeli occupation. Discover the document that is mobilizing Christians around the world! Read it
UMKR Calls for HP Boycott
Encourages congregations to become HP-Free
News & Views