Christian Zionism distorts scriptural teachings to justify Israel‘s dominion over Palestinian lands, a stance that Reverend Frank Chikane argues stands in stark opposition to fundamental Christian values centered on love, fairness, and equality.
In June, the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, representing 352 member churches and over 500 million Christians worldwide. This body, composed of 158 members, regional presidents, and 100 ecumenical advisors, is tasked with shaping policies and addressing pressing challenges facing the global Christian community. Against the backdrop of worsening humanitarian conditions in Palestine and Israel-characterized by severe deprivation and collective punishment in Gaza-the committee issued four urgent calls to action.
Foremost among these was the committee’s unequivocal condemnation of the apartheid system imposed by Israel on Palestinians. It called upon churches, governments, and international organizations to take a principled stand by enforcing sanctions, divestment, and arms embargoes as means to hold Israel accountable. The committee stressed that moral indignation must be matched with concrete repercussions. Furthermore, it demanded an immediate cessation of Israel’s occupation and the illegal blockade of Gaza. Strengthening Palestinian Christian communities was also emphasized, ensuring they can remain on their ancestral lands and freely exercise their religious rights, which are currently suppressed by Israeli authorities.
The WCC’s forthright recognition of Palestinian suffering and its demand for justice represent a notable shift from past reticence. Historically, many churches and ecumenical bodies have prioritized unity over confronting the harsh realities of Israeli policies, often avoiding these topics to maintain congregational harmony or to sidestep accusations of antisemitism. However, such restraint is misplaced. Christians must clearly differentiate between the Jewish people-our spiritual relatives-and the political maneuvers of the Israeli government under Zionism. For African Christians, who have endured colonial oppression and systemic injustice, advocating for justice in Palestine is a natural extension of our own historical experience and ethical commitments.
The frequently referenced biblical passage in Genesis 12:3, where God promises that “those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed,” is often misapplied by the Israeli government and Christian Zionist supporters in Africa. They wield this verse to stifle criticism of Israel’s breaches of international law and human rights, equating dissent with divine retribution. This interpretation, however, fundamentally misrepresents the heart of the Christian gospel.
As African believers devoted to the authentic gospel message, we must firmly repudiate any scriptural rationale that legitimizes Israel’s occupation and oppression of Palestinians. The form of Christianity advanced by Christian Zionism distorts faith into an instrument of domination, echoing past abuses where scripture was twisted to justify colonialism in Africa and apartheid in South Africa.
Jesus Christ Himself stands opposed to the tenets of Christian Zionism. This ideology manipulates scripture to defend Israel’s occupation, betraying Jesus’ teachings of universal love and justice. Neither Jesus nor His disciples endorsed such political agendas.
Nonetheless, some African Christian leaders continue to extend misguided support to Israel, inviting Israeli diplomats and officials to worship gatherings and praying for military forces responsible for the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza. This position contradicts the prophetic mandate of Amos 5:24, which calls for justice to “roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”
The gospel’s core message is one of liberation: those whom God frees must not become oppressors themselves. Yet, this principle is daily violated in occupied Palestine. Genuine peace and security for Israel cannot be realized through the subjugation and displacement of Palestinians. It is crucial that African churches and faith communities unite in endorsing the WCC’s calls for justice, vocally opposing Israeli apartheid, occupation, and acts of genocide. Remaining silent would betray both our faith and our historical fight against injustice.
Reverend Frank Chikane is a renowned South African theologian, anti-apartheid activist, civil servant, and author. He currently heads the Anti-Apartheid Conference for Palestine & Against Israeli Apartheid.