I decided it was right to
continue with Paradox (which I
began whilst living in
Jerusalem) now that I am based
back in the UK for the following
reasons:
1.
Because of a prayerful
conviction that it is right to
do so.
2.
Because reconciliation –
between humanity and God, and
between estranged humans – is at
the heart of Christianity.
3.
Because there is so much
ill-informed, biased and even
uncharitable comment circulated
by Christians.
4.
Because I am not aware of
any similar reconciling and
(hopefully) balanced
publication.
5.
Because I do not feel I
should waste my experience in
this area.
6.
Because our global
village and electronic
communication allows me to
continue unhindered by
geographical change.
Here is an outline of my
background experience:
GENERAL EXPERIENCE
1.
Member of the Council of
the Church of
England’s official ministry
among Jewish people for19
years
2.
Member of a number of
fact-finding Commissions to
Israel during those 19 years
3.
For 9 months Chairman of
the Church of
England’s official ministry
among Jewish people at a
time of interregnum between both
General and Israel Directors, so
exercising a de facto executive
role overseeing the work
4.
For 3 years General
Director of
the Church of England’s official
ministry among Jewish people,
based in the UK and visiting
Israel at least 6 times a year
5.
For 3.5 years General
Director of
the Church of England’s official
ministry among Jewish people,
based in Jerusalem throughout
Intifada (and Iraq War): and for
2.5 years Rector of Christ
Church, Jerusalem
6.
Retain the same extensive
sources of information that
relied on in Jerusalem
(Believers in Christ, Muslims
and secular) and relationships
with key people in this area
7.
Have deep theological
conviction that should promote
reconciling attitudes, rather
than polarization amongst
Christians
8.
Have a deep theological
conviction that should reach out
in the love of Christ to both
Jewish people and Israeli Arabs
and Palestinians
ISRAEL-ASPECT EXPERIENCE
1.
Trained to be an advocate
for Israel in a course organised
by the Israeli Foreign Ministry
and approached several times by
the Foreign Ministry. Approached
by the Israeli Embassy in London
concerning Advocacy
2.
Attended various
Christian Zionist gatherings,
including the International
Christian Embassy’s Feast of
Tabernacles conference
3.
Studied Antisemitism,
including visits to
ex-concentration camp and other
Nazi atrocity sites, Yad Vashem
etc.
4.
Visited Jewish homes in
Israel.
5.
Had Israeli Jewish
colleagues and churchmembers,
with whom had frequent in-depth
conversations about the
political situation. They
included:
6.
Had many Jewish
(Messianic) Pastor friends
7.
Spent much time with
Jewish (Messianic) leaders
including a twice-yearly 48 hour
desert retreat with 30 or so who
sometimes discussed the
political situation
8.
Involved in providing
practical help to needy Jewish
families
PALESTINIAN-ASPECT EXPERIENCE
1.
Attended a Palestinian
Advocacy Conference
2.
Attended a week-long
international conference on
Christian Zionism held by the
Sabeel Palestinian Liberation
Theology Center, East Jerusalem,
which included many Palestinian
speakers including talks from
Yassir Arafat and Hanan Ashrawi
at the Muqata in Ramallah
3.
Visited West Bank Refugee
Camps
4.
Visited Palestinian homes
on the West bank
5.
Had Israeli Arab and
Palestinian colleagues and
churchmembers, with whom had
frequent in-depth conversations
about the political situation.
They included:
6.
Had a number of Arab
Pastor friends
7.
Spent time with a
Palestinian who had been
imprisoned by the Israelis
8.
Involved in providing
practical help to needy
Arab/Palestinian families
Paradox
Newsletter
Why
Do I Continue with the "Paradox"
Newsletter?
© 2008
Paradox Ministries, a UK Charity: 1125582