The rise of antisemitism follows decades of complacency, Jewish people should not sit idly and accept that the Methodist Church is actively promoting hate
How on earth can the Methodist Church justify telling believers that one of the key people to listen to when asking theological questions about Israel ā is a man who faced restrictions from the Church of England because he kept sharing material from antisemitic hate websites?
It almost goes without saying Stephen Sizer is a member of the antisemitic FB group āPalestine Liveā. He was one of the first members, added to the group by Elleanne Green on the day she created it. Over six years later, on 4th February 2020 he is still liking Elleanne Greenās posts:
My criticism is not just about what Sizer shared. It is about where his beliefs find comfort. He swims in the dark websites that those in my research live inside. He gets and shares ideas from toxic conspiratorial hate sites such as the Ugly Truth and Veterans Today. Sizer attends meetings such as the one the PRC held at Westminster, where antisemitic hate frequently bubbles to the surface to remain unchallenged. Sizerās attitudes are clearly clouded by prejudice. NOBODY should listen to this man on the subject of Jews and yet his thoughts are officially promoted by the Methodist Church.
Someone more familiar with the different theological positions should have a look at the list recommended by the Methodist Church. Naim Ateek, the founder of Sabeel is listed and there are other links to condemnations of Christian Zionism ā so perhaps the inclusion of Sizer should not be so surprising.
The list is provided by the āFaith and Order Committeeā. The Secretary is Nicola Price-Tebbutt. The committee meets every few months and if decisions need to be taken during this period, then theā Executiveā which comprises of Price-Tebbutt, the Chair and two other committee members, make the call.
