We endorsed the Black Lives Matter platform because love does not dishonor others. It trusts the dignity of each human being to decide what is best for herself or himself. Because we love, we do not see Palestinians as noble victims in need of saving. We see them as we would see ourselves in their situation, resilient and strong.Because love is not self-seeking, the goals of our work must not be our own, but must center Palestinian concerns, Palestinian voices, and Palestinian experiences.
Because love is not proud (Corinthians 13:4), we acknowledge our wrongs and the ways in which we benefit from the oppression of others. FOSNA condemns any theft of land, resources, or livelihood of indigenous communities, even if done by our own churches or states.
Because “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth" (Corinthians 13:7) we acknowledge the truth of our world today that accepts and normalizes state violence, while that same violence committed by individuals is unforgivable.
Because Jesus said to love, we work for a day when all violence is held accountable.
Because “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth" (Corinthians 13:7) we acknowledge the truth of our world today that accepts and normalizes state violence, while that same violence committed by individuals is unforgivable.
Because Jesus said to love, we work for a day when all violence is held accountable.
Because he said to love, we refuse to live in fear (1 John 4:18). We refuse to be swayed by the mainstream rhetoric that pronounces Muslims and Islam as violent, untrustworthy, and different. Because we are humans who love, we know that nothing that is human can be alien to us (1). When we see them, we see ourselves.
Because Jesus said to love thy neighbor (Luke 10:27)—without qualification—we do not tie our love to one criterion or another. Our solidarity comes without preconditions or exemptions.
Because love is an action (John 3:18), we are not content to learn about persecution, discrimination, and repression, but rather advocate for liberation.