United Methodists are responding to Kairos Palestine: A Moment of Truth ,a statement of faith and urgent call to action from Christians in Palestine. UMKR seeks, through nonviolent means and in partnership with Palestinian Christians, freedom, justice and equality for all Palestinians and Israelis.
🔸= Something New or Updated
2024
United Methodist Church votes to divest bonds of Israel and other occupier
governments
Palestine is a theme at the UMC General Conference with groundbreaking legislation, public actions, and more.
See the release
2022
United Methodist conferences oppose Israeli apartheid in 2022, take actions to defend Palestinian human rights
Oregon-Idaho and New England UMs join growing global consensus on Israeli apartheid; Iowa and Northern Illinois oppose Christian Zionism, the latter also supports congressional bill H.R. 2590 and defends the right to boycott.
A Change in UMKR Leadership: Rev. John Wagner Retires
After 12 years of dedication to our advocacy movement for Palestinian rights, John Wagner, a UMKR co-founder and longtime co-chair, is retiring.
See the announcement by Lisa Bender, UMKR Co-chair
See the tribute from Ann Craig of LYNC
2021
Black-Palestinian Solidarity: webinar explores a game-changing relationship between liberation struggles
Solidarity between Black Americans and Palestinians has a long and storied history, from the fateful stand by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the 1960’s, to the unequivocal public support from Black Lives Matter and passionate speeches by Rev. Dr. William Barber II, leader of the Poor People’s Campaign, in the 2010’s and 20’s.
Webinar Series dives deep into the “Doctrine of Discovery”
From Popes to Presidents, the “Doctrine of Discovery” has empowered global leaders to change the lives of indigenous people throughout history. An upcoming five-part webinar series will explore the history and impact of the doctrine and the legacy of conquest that Christians have inherited to this day.
See the press release
2019
United Methodist Church: Opposing Israeli Settlements since 1976
United Methodist leaders, members appalled by Trump administration’s disregard for international law and human rights, acceptance of crime of colonialism.
A New Co-Chair for UMKR
August 2019 – See the announcement
UMKR Responds to GC2019 and Judicial Council Rulings of April 2019
April 2019 – See the statement
2018
UMKR Condemns Israel’s Apartheid Law
July 2018 – See the press release
UMKR Condemns Israel's Response to the Great March of Return 2018
June 2018 – See it here
BDS movement nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
February 2018 – Read more and take action to support the nomination
2017
United Methodists and broad faith coalition publish full page ad,
call on Americans to protect First Amendment rights
November 2017
United Methodists in U.S. defend the right to boycott and divest
July 2017
Resource: Legislative successes at 2017 Annual Conferences
Listing resolutions adopted and actions taken, by resolution and by region
July 2017
Twelve United Methodist Missionaries Write to Donald Trump
Open letter opposes moving U.S. embassy to Jerusalem
February 2017
UMKR welcomes new United Methodist investment fund
Notes the need to apply long-standing church policy on Israeli occupation to other church funds
April 2017
2016
UMKR commends UNSC Resolution, US role in its passage, and Kerry's statement
December 2016
UMKR questions Israeli crackdown on humanitarian aid
August 2016
United Methodist General Conference calls on Israel to end unjust practices
May 2016
Caterpillar has NOT adopted the Ruggie Principles
April 2016
United Methodist pension fund excludes and divests of Israeli banks
January 2016
2015
UMKR celebrates boycott success in Palestinian territories
October 2015
Eight more annual conferences call for divestment
July 2015
UMKR welcomes new investment fund, while noting problems
January 2015
2014
United Methodist Church Divests G4S
June 2014
2013
UMKR Leader Receives National Award from US Campaign
September 2013
More United Methodists Divest from Israeli Occupation
June 2013
2012
UMKR Supports 15 Christian Leaders' Letter: Review U.S. Military Aid to Israel
November 2012
Energized by General Conference
May 2012
Announcing JVP Rabbinical Council Support
April 2012
UMKR Response to Pension Board's Resolution
March 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
News & Analysis Press Releases & Statements