Shaping Communities in Times of Crisis:
Narratives of Land, Peoples and Identities

Many communities are in crisis around the globe.  Lines of conflict and exclusion are being drawn along ethnic, religious, cultural and geographical boundaries.  Increasing tensions between differing groups of people are creating communities shaped primarily by fear of ‘others’ and desires for impermeable boundaries to ‘keep others out.’ The arrogant use of military might and economic power is contributing to the dehumanization of peoples and the degradation of the earth everywhere.  In our particular context, the Wall currently being constructed in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is leaving no options open for real coexistence or for reconciliation between the two peoples currently sharing the land of Palestine/Israel.

Similarly, such contemporary contextual conflicts often mirror dominant readings of religious texts. In classical biblical exegesis the issue of the land that is historic Palestine and the people that is Israel has been dominant. Although the existence of the “other” peoples of the land was not denied, they were seldom taken seriously into consideration or they were seen only from the perspective of Israel. Israel’s perspective became God’s perspective and Israel’s perception of His-Story was confused with history.  The interplay between narratives of text and context continue to play a critical role in how communities shape their understanding of land, who belongs where and their multiple identities.

In recent years, new methodologies have questioned such classical approaches.  Several new theological, biblical, philosophical, sociological, psychological, as well as political, studies have been done with an enormous wealth on new insights. These different traditions and perceptions need to be given more attention, analyzing them in their respective context in light of the above mentioned new research and discoveries. This conference will create an intercultural, as well as interdisciplinary, space for participants to engage a variety of narratives that deal with land, peoples and identity, seeking to construct relevant, justice-oriented, hope-building Christian responses to the crises in communities facing us today.

Drawing together 150 key change agents - theologians, biblical scholars, sociologists, pastors, artists, journalists, historians, politicians and philosophers will create an inter-disciplinary cadre and will be one of the unique contributions this conference will provide.  Also, an inter-cultural approach will be achieved by bringing people from diverse backgrounds that are affected by these issues as well. Attention will be paid to encouraging participation from all major regional areas of our world, underscoring the importance of global dialogue on such issues. Engaging various narratives of land, peoples and identity, with those rising from Palestine & Israel today as the primary narrative, we will seek to raise new questions, re-read biblical texts with new eyes, and to find new directions for our work toward a just and peace-filled world. 

Conference Highlights

•   Public Candle Light March through Old City of Bethlehem - express solidarity with the people of Bethlehem, the march will be followed by the public opening of the conference with a major international keynote speaker

•    Theological and Biblical Reflections – times to worship and reflect together

•   Historical Overview – presentation on the various peoples, boundaries, transitions which have occurred in this land over thousands of years

•   Exposure to Land Today – smaller groups will be sent out to different locations to meet the peoples of the land and see the land in today’s context; will include visits in the West Bank and Israel. Groups will document their visits and be asked to develop story boards on their trips, beginning the process of integrating experience with reflection and interpretations

•   Working Sessions – time will be given throughout the conference for participants to work on relevant Christian responses that will lead beyond the conference itself

•   Input by Palestinian and Israeli Panels - will have two different panel times with a range of persons from both societies to explore the conference themes and how they are expressed within Palestinian and Israeli societies today

•   Exploration of Conference Themes through the lenses of two other contexts, the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas and the former Yugoslavia

•   Cultural Explorations of Conference Themes – participants from around the world will be invited to present how these issues are manifest in their communities through cultural lenses.

•   Planting Trees at the Nature Reserve on the grounds of Dar al-Kalima in Bethlehem.

Outcomes

• A major publication is envisioned that not only will bring out the different papers but also to document the dialogue, conversation and exchanges taking place.
• A new 40-minute film on the questions of the conference within Palestinian society will be produced
• A moment of truth has come to speak a word of justice, so the conference will also be directed toward determining concrete actions in which participants can engage beyond the conference.

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