Anglican Church Urges South African Institutions to Cut Ties with Israel

Anglican Church of Southern Africa Calls for Action on Gaza Crisis

Leaders of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) are urging South African sports bodies, schools, and universities to sever ties with Israeli institutions, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates. The call comes after a resolution was adopted at the church’s Standing Committee meeting on Friday, attended by representatives from South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and St Helena.

The resolution also urges the South African government to follow Colombia’s lead in banning coal exports to Israel, citing the fuel’s use in illegal settlements and military operations.

“We cannot remain neutral in the face of such profound human suffering,” ACSA said in a statement, reaffirming its calls for an immediate ceasefire, safe delivery of humanitarian aid, accountability for international law violations, and the release of hostages.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The bishops highlighted the escalating humanitarian toll in Gaza, where deaths now approach 60,000 due to conflict, starvation, and lack of medical access. They condemned what they describe as “genocidal actions” by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) and the expansion of illegal settlements by Israeli settlers.

The church also criticised South African companies continuing to export coal to Israel, arguing it directly supports energy infrastructure used in the conflict.

Calls to Institutions and Government

The ACSA issued a series of resolutions aimed at fostering non-violent resistance and international solidarity:

• Urge the South African Football Association (SAFA) to request that FIFA suspend Israel from international competitions.

• Ask all South African, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Namibian sports bodies, schools, and universities to cut ties with Israeli institutions.

• Encourage the government to adopt measures against apartheid and genocide, including banning coal exports to Israel.

• Support non-violent initiatives like the Global Sumud Flotilla, which seeks to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The bishops also encouraged symbolic acts of solidarity, such as ringing church bells at midday on Fridays, and recognised the bravery of Palestinian churches maintaining ministry amid attacks.

Public Reaction and Solidarity

The call from ACSA coincided with a large pro-Palestine demonstration in Cape Town on Saturday. Thousands of supporters, from children to elderly citizens, marched from Muir Street to Parliament under the scorching sun, chanting “Free Palestine” and “Palestine will be free!” Social media lit up with solidarity posts from church members, students, and civic groups, amplifying the message of non-violent resistance and humanitarian support.

This move places the Anglican Church at the forefront of South African civil society’s engagement with international human rights issues, echoing a long history of faith-based advocacy for justice in the region.

{Source: IOL}

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