Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center
Aim
Seek to deepen the faith of Palestinian Christians, to promote unity among them and lead them to act for justice and peace; Strive to develop a spirituality based on love, justice, peace, nonviolence, liberation and reconciliation for the different national and faith communities; Work to promote a more accurate international awareness regarding the identity, presence and witness of Palestinian Christians as well as their contemporary concerns. Encourage individuals and groups from around the world to work for a just, comprehensive and enduring peace informed by truth and empowered by prayer and action.
History
In 1989 an ad hoc committee was formed to implement, on a practical level, a Palestinian Liberation Theology. On a pastoral level, some of the Palestinian clergy were listening to the cries of the people at the grassroots. They felt the need to respond not only to their physical sufferings, but also to the way these sufferings were being aggravated by the religious argument in the political conflict.
IRD Activities
- Unity in the Community
Sabeel will focus on strengthening the local community in 3 areas: Ecumenical (Christian – Christian), Christian – Muslim, and amongst Israeli Arabs and Jews. The first focus will be a continuation of the work that Sabeel has begun within the Christian denominations, attempting to strengthen the bonds and cooperation amongst the various communities. The Christian-Muslim interfaith focus will be in cooperation with the Al-Liqa Center in Bethlehem and will work towards interfaith dialogue and understanding, in addition to a faith-based ideology and practice of non-violence. The third area will focus on issues that Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, face as citizens of Israel and will seek to work with Israeli Jews in challenging policies that undermine equality and human rights.
Main Focus Countries of Activities
Israel - State of Palestine