Seeds of Hope in Bloom: Faith in a Time of Genocide
The Faith in a Time of Genocide Conference and the Palestine Land Exercise, organized in by Bathurst United Church in partnership the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel (UNJPPI) offered a meaningful space for education, discussion, and community building around the urgent issues facing Palestine and Israel.
This year has been especially difficult, with ongoing violence and destruction affecting many lives in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The conference created a much-needed opportunity for attendees to connect and share their concerns. One participant remarked, “The cost of bringing people together is balanced by its benefits of reducing burnout, promoting ongoing learning, and finding encouragement to continue the work of resistance.” The friendships formed at the conference are crucial for sustaining participants’ commitment to justice.
Learning to Advocate
The conference emphasized education, providing attendees with tools to become advocates for change. The involvement of church leaders strengthened their shared commitment. Organizers note that the decision by the United Church to respond to the situation in Israel and Palestine shows a clear commitment to justice. As they look ahead to the next few years, they are hopeful about the long-term impact of this work. The conference has set the stage for ongoing learning about racism, helping congregations as they address these important issues.
The event featured Palestinian leaders. Shadia Qubti led inspiring Bible exploration of the story of the Samaritan woman using both a typical exegesis and one “from below” with an anti-colonial lens. and Tarek Al-Zoughbi shared powerful stories about how apartheid impacts his family. Attendees found hope in these voices.
Looking to the Future
The Palestine Land Exercise, which started in the Maritimes, is expanding across Canada. Organizers expect to surpass their goal of 10 new experiences of the Palestine Land Exercise across the country this year. The initiative’s adaptability to different languages shows its potential to reach more communities, with attendees offering to work on translations in Cantonese and a French version underway. Most people stated that their knowledge was deepened and their faith challenged and supported through engagement with material shared by the speakers. They expressed determination to continue or re-engage with the work of justice-seeking.
A Call to Action and Joy
Organizers say that people appreciated hearing about the work various congregations were engaged in and drew inspiration from that. The Palestine Land Exercise training was very energizing. This included good training about what Anti-Semitism is and is not. Their goal of promoting courageous conversations was met and will continue as participants engage others in their home settings. The conference ended with a time of dancing as people expressed the challenging work of the conference and the joy of solidarity with their bodies.
Plant Your Own Seeds of Hope… and Watch Them Bloom!
The United Church of Canada Foundation offers a variety of grant opportunities for organizations and individuals to bring life to the mission and values of the United Church. The Seeds of Hope granting program awards approximately one million dollars every year is support of innovative United Church projects. Our spring granting round is open now! How will a funding boost from Seeds of Hope help your project take flight? Learn more and apply now: unitedchurchfoundation.ca/grants/seeds-of-hope.
We are always available if you need help completing your application. Should you have any questions, please email us at grants@united-church.ca.
Grants from the Foundation, representing the generosity of many United Church people, help make this work possible! To make a financial gift to support this good work, please click here. Thank you!
