|
Trending Topics
|
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Criticizes Church's Israel "Checkpoint"
(Jewish News-UK) Stephen Oryszczuk - A Methodist church in London has agreed to display Israel's justification for security checks in the West Bank alongside its replica checkpoint, after criticism from the former Archbishop of Canterbury. Hinde Street Methodist Church in Marylebone launched the exhibition to show Palestinians' limited access between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, but was accused of "fanning the flames of anti-Semitism" and of harming Christian-Jewish relations. On Tuesday, Lord Carey of Clifton, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, said he was saddened by the portrayal of "Israel as oppressors." "Jewish people across Europe are increasingly being targeted and killed by terrorists, who often attempt to justify their actions by demonizing Israel. It is therefore particularly sad to see a church in London demonizing and singling out Israel's defensive actions against terrorism." "Checkpoints in Israel are sadly needed in order to save lives. The methods used by democracies to defend their civilians should not be undermined by religious leaders in places of worship and brotherhood."