As the conflict in Israel/Palestine continues to grow, I wanted to share the United Methodist views and resources on this matter so that clergy and laity can better educate their congregations and communities.
First, we do not tie the current state of Israel to the historic/biblical expression of this, nor do we believe that this sort of conflict is a sign of the end times. This is a complex geopolitical matter that has been going on for decades, and thus, we encourage more than speculation.
Second, I will be referencing The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church which is a supplement to our Book of Discipline. It is the collection of the official positions of The United Methodist Church on various social, political, and church issues. The Resolutions are rooted in our Social Principles, and often provide suggestions for action and education around these issues. The Book of Resolutions has four resolutions that specifically address the Israel-Palestine conflict. They are Resolutions 6111, 6112, 6114, and 6116 (links in the comments).
*Note: My interpretation is at the end*
6114. “A Pathway for Peace in Palestine and Israel” concludes with this resolution:
[T]he General Conference encourages our members around the world to develop a balanced understanding of the concerns and perspectives of both Palestinians and Israelis, being careful to lift up the voices of those victims of violence and injustice across the region, and rejecting oversimplified efforts to simply “blame” one side or the other, even as we encourage United Methodists to join in prayer for “the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6) and all of those who call it home.
It is from this perspective that ground interpretation of these resolutions.
6111. “Opposition to Israeli Settlements in Palestinian Land” acknowledges the continued Israeli encroachment on Palestinian land and the dehumanizing forces at play in the military occupation, enforcing of curfews, and building of Israeli settlements and separation walls on Palestinian land. .
The resolution calls for an end to military occupation and encroachment on this land, for the US and other countries to stop supporting this encroachment through financial and military backing, and creating space for education, nonviolent approaches to peacemaking, and support of those doing the work of ending oppression. Skipping ahead, 6116. “Palestinian Land Rights and Access to Water and Electricity” calls for equal access to water and electricity for the Palestinians in the West Bank that the Israeli settlers receive.
6112. “United Nations Resolutions on the Israel-Palestine Conflict” acknowledges the work of the United Nations to attempt just resolutions and peace in the midst of decades of conflict and the need to act on and uphold these resolutions. Particularly, this resolution identifies the reality that many of Israel’s actions have violated international law and caused human rights violations. And it calls on Israel, Palestine, and all nation states to uphold and abide by the UN Resolutions and for the United States (which has vetoed resolutions over 30 times) to allow these resolutions to be upheld as we work toward lasting peace.
6114 “A Pathway for Peace in Palestine and Israel” furthers the stance on these other resolution and lays out historical realities and painful truths, and calls for political and economic action by the denomination and its members to employ diplomatic and initiatives for peacekeeping, strategies for better trade and employment, and investments in the Palestinian economy. Particularly, we support joint Israel-Palestine ventures to promote economic, political, and social investment toward a lasting peace. Moreover, as I state earlier, this resolution calls for education, understanding, and justice, not snap judgments or blaming.
**My Interpretation**
These resolutions are the official positions of The United Methodist Church, but as United Methodists, but they are not required for church membership, ordination, etc. Instead, we should see them as a starting point for conversation and action around these issues. The United Methodist Church is on the side of demilitarization, ending oppressive actions, and working toward lasting peace between Israel-Palestine. We also agree that this issue is very complex, and requires a multipronged approach including international action, economic investment, public education, and more.
We agree that actions of Israel are human rights violations that continually dehumanize the Palestinian people, and that Israel should cease its current actions and withdraw. In fact, we believe we should be actively supporting the Palestinian people in nonviolent approaches to peacemaking through political, economic, and educational means.
We also believe that war is incompatible with Christian teachings, and thus call for an end to the current violence, particularly any violence that targets civilians. Therefore, while we are opposed to the current violence, because we see war and violence and incompatible, we support the Palestinian effort for justice and restoration.
Finally, we need to educate ourselves about these topics, not simply pray for them. One reality is, we are a church that calls on its people to pray, learn, act, and reflect. We believe we must be active in the world, not simply passive recipients of either the news or God’s grace. Both should call us to respond in ways that point toward a just society and a peaceful future.
For More Resources:
United Methodist Responses to Ongoing War and Conflicts
Scroll down to Israel Palestine
Jonathan LeMaster-Smith 
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