Interested in learning how to further educate yourself about peace and justice in Palestine? Below are some ways to connect with work in the Great Plains and UMC:
Support for United Methodist Kairos Response and the Great Plains Holy Land Task Force
The Holy Land Task Force of the Great Plains Conference was created in accordance with the resolution “Christians in the Holy Land” which was approved at our annual conference session in June 2015.
United Methodist Kairos Response is answering the urgent call from Palestinian Christians for effective action to end the Israeli occupation and achieve a just peace in the Holy Land.
Listen to the most recent episode from the “In Layman’s Terms” podcast
As the war in Gaza continues, Todd Seifert, conference communications director, talks with Carol Ekdahl Garwood, chair of the Great Plains Conference's Holy Land Task Force, as they discuss the peril of Palestinian people, the delicate balance between supporting Israel while pointing out human rights concerns related to people in Palestinian territories, and what life is like away from the media spotlight we often see on national news.
Stay Tuned for a Book Study led by the Holy Land Task Force
The Holy Land Task Force is planning to offer a book study about Mitri Raheb's book "Faith in the Face of Empire, The Bible Through Palestinian Eyes." Rev. Phil Sloat participated in this book study with GBCS and now wants to share it with others in our Conference. More information coming in June 2025.
The Holy Land Task Force also submitted a resolution to AC about the genocide happening in Palestine titled, “Affirming WMC and WCC call to end the Genocide in Palestine.” The rationale reads: “The GPAC of the UMC should uphold its values by supporting the World Methodist Council and World Council of Churches' condemnation of the genocide against Palestinians. A YES vote rejects antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and xenophobia while advocating for peace, human life, and humanitarian access in the Holy Land.
Follow the Annual Conference webpage to read more when the workbook is released.
Connect with Great Plains Leaders:
Holy Land Task Force Chair: Carol Ekdahl Garwood
Peace with Justice coordinator: Andrea Paret at [email protected].