Fixing Our Eyes In Jesus

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Watchman’s Prayer Letter August 2026 - Jewish Year 5786

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5 NKJV)   It has often been said, both of the suffering of the Jewish people, and of the need for Christians to remain strong in the face of adversity, that the darker the darkness becomes, the stronger the light will shine.  This is certainly true of our common situation today, as increasingly, Jews and Christians are joining together in support the world’s only Jewish state, even as some established churches turn against her.   As we go to press, the Jewish nation worldwide is entering its saddest day, a solemn fast, Tisha B’Av.  On this date in the Hebrew calendar, some of the worst events happened, such as the destruction of both temples, the first murderous crusade launching across Europe, and the expulsion of the Jews of England.   In England today, supposedly far more advanced and sophisticated than in 1290, just a few days prior to this solemn date, the established Church of England agreed to ‘hear’ a dangerously anti-Israel and anti-Zionist motion, Kairos II.  The majority in the house of bishops present voted in favour giving credence to a text which can only inflame tensions between communities, at a time when the UK Jewish community is already under attack.  A few bishops spoke against but then abstained.   Evoking some of the statements of the Early Roman Church in the 3rd/4th centuries AD, such as the need to separate from the Hebraic heritage of the faith, support for Kairos II puts the Church of England at odds with the Bible and the God of Israel.  The text condemns Christian Zionism (including the faith of the Puritan intercessors) as the launching pad of the restoration of the Jewish state.  It moves along a slippery slope towards deconstruction of anything mentioning Jews, Judea, Zion or Israel, within the Scriptural texts (which could ultimately lead to the erasure of the words of Jesus himself).   Some of the statements in Kairos II include inflammatory language such as the following:   “Israel is a colonial, settler, and exclusionary entity”; “Zionists do not want us to remain on our land. Their plan for us is displacement, death or submission. The genocidal war on Gaza is the continuation of the Zionist project to seize all of Palestine, emptied of its Palestinian people… This genocide has been carried out by Israel after decades of apartheid, settler colonialism, political repression and the deliberate policy of killing any possibility of a political solution”;

File:A Talit, Keffiyeh and Palestinian scraf.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

“We see creative resistance embodied in the popular Palestinian movements confronting occupation, settlement expansion, settler terrorism and apartheid…”; and, “In addressing ourselves, we say: ‘We are the sons and daughters of the first Church — descendants of the apostles and the saints of the first Christian centuries…’”.   Let us pray that the enemy has overstepped himself so severely that this will lead to exposure of this anti-biblical movement which, falsely wearing the cloak of true Christianity, is a politicised Palestinian-ism.   Last year, CFI Jerusalem published an article about Beit Lechem (Bethlehem).  From the ancient prophecy, “But you Bethlehem in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler, who will be the shepherd of my people Israel” (Micah 5:2), through to its fulfilment with the Saviour’s birth, and right up until the present day, the ‘little town’ is a source of both great joy, and sadly great deception.   The Kairos movement began at Bethlehem Bible College (BBC).  While many well-meaning teachers and students have passed through its programmes, some are known to have had an historical grievance with Israel.  While certain individuals who have genuinely suffered loss may graciously speak lovingly and seek to progress on the path of forgiveness, others are unfortunately obsessed with dehumanising Israel.

File:BritLib Cotton Nero DiiFol183v Persecuted Jews (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Pray for truth to prevail… and act accordingly

•Thank the Lord that the land of Israel is his.  Praise him for his plans, promises and his unfailing word. (see Isaiah 40:8) [Book by the Church of England’s Faith and Order Commission available via CFI UK resources or pdf link below: https://www.cfi.org.uk/Gods-unfailing-word https://www.jcrelations.net/article/gods-unfailing-word.pdf   •Give thanks that there were those, including CFI UK’s Jacob Vince, who spoke against the Kairos II motion, with various amendments passing, and that a fair number voted against the final amended motion with others recording abstentions. (see Psalm 71:16)   •Pray that those contending in the Church of England know the right strategy going forward to encourage understanding of Israel and Jewish people in this key part of the wider and historic church.  For those favouring Israel standing in the upcoming elections for the General Synod governing body - where policy is decided upon. (see Genesis 24:40a)   •Pray for all theological deception, which in the 1930s and 40s, helped enable the Holocaust, to be fully exposed to the true God-seekers in both the Church of England and wider Anglican communion, and in Arab communities. (see Proverbs 6:16-19).   •Thank God for the strengthening of Jewish-Christian partnership in the UK and beyond.  May God turn this awful situation for the good of Israel and the nation where we reside. (see Genesis 50:20)   •Pray for the UK Jewish community as some consider making Aliyah, for all the support that they need. (see 2 Chronicles 36:23)   •Pray for provision, protection and courage for true Arab/Palestinian believers living under unjust and corrupt governance, that the Lord will reveal his word in truth, and deliver them from all evil. (see Philippians 4:19)

Thank you for joining with us in prayer to our Father in heaven, who hears and answers as we bring our petitions before him in Jesus’ name, Ruth Richmond - CFI Jerusalem   Christian Friends of Israel – Jerusalem

prayer@cfijerusalem.org

PO Box 1813 Jerusalem 9101701 Israel Phone: 02 623 3778

Love For His People Ministry was founded in 2010 by Steve & Laurie Martin. Charlotte, NC USA

​FAITH

Church of England Leaders Abandon Biblical Truth on Israel

Published

 3 days ago 

on

 July 19, 2026

By

 faithandfreedo

Faith Facts

• Church of England leaders have rejected biblical promises regarding Israel in favor of politically motivated accusations
• Historical evidence and facts on the ground contradict claims of genocide, revealing a departure from Anglican theological roots
• The abandonment of scriptural truth on Israel represents a dangerous theological shift within the historic denomination

The Church of England, once a bastion of biblical Christianity, has strayed far from its theological moorings. In a troubling development that should concern all believers who hold Scripture as authoritative, leaders within this historic denomination have embraced a narrative about Israel that contradicts both biblical truth and historical reality.

These church leaders have chosen to align themselves with political accusations of genocide against Israel, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This represents not merely a political miscalculation, but a fundamental rejection of God’s covenant promises to the Jewish people as recorded throughout Scripture.

The facts on the ground tell a dramatically different story than the one being promoted by these Anglican officials. Israel has repeatedly demonstrated restraint even while defending its citizens from terrorist attacks. The nation has provided humanitarian aid, issued warnings before military operations, and consistently sought to minimize civilian casualties — actions incompatible with any legitimate definition of genocide.

History reveals the absurdity of these charges. The Jewish people have experienced actual genocide within living memory during the Holocaust. To apply this term to Israel’s defensive military operations trivializes genuine genocide and dishonors the memory of those who suffered under true systematic extermination.

What makes this theological departure even more troubling is its contradiction of Anglican roots. The Church of England historically maintained a strong connection to biblical Israel, recognizing God’s ongoing covenant with the Jewish people. This tradition drew directly from Scripture’s clear teaching about God’s faithfulness to His promises.

The biblical record leaves no room for ambiguity regarding God’s commitment to Israel. From Genesis through Revelation, Scripture affirms God’s special relationship with the Jewish people and the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These are not merely historical footnotes but eternal covenants that cannot be nullified by human opinion or political fashion.

By abandoning this biblical foundation, Church of England leaders have placed themselves in opposition to God’s revealed Word. They have chosen contemporary political correctness over eternal truth, prioritizing approval from secular authorities over faithfulness to Scripture.

This situation serves as a sobering reminder for all Christians. When church leaders begin interpreting world events through the lens of popular opinion rather than biblical truth, the entire foundation of faith becomes unstable. The Church’s authority rests not in cultural relevance but in faithful proclamation of God’s unchanging Word.

Believers must remain vigilant against similar theological drift in their own denominations and churches. The pressure to conform to worldly narratives about Israel and the Jewish people will only intensify. Standing firm on biblical truth may invite criticism, but faithfulness to God’s Word must always take precedence over human approval.

The Church of England’s embrace of anti-Israel rhetoric also reveals a deeper spiritual blindness. Throughout history, nations and institutions that have set themselves against the Jewish people have ultimately faced God’s judgment. Scripture warns clearly that those who curse Israel will themselves be cursed.

True Christian love for all people, including Palestinians, does not require abandoning truth or embracing false accusations. Genuine compassion seeks justice, truth, and peace for all parties — something impossible to achieve when built on a foundation of lies.

The path forward for faithful believers is clear: we must continue proclaiming biblical truth about Israel regardless of cultural pressure. We must stand with the Jewish people while pointing all nations, including Israel, to their Messiah. And we must pray for church leaders who have lost their way, that they would return to the firm foundation of God’s Word.

This controversy within the Church of England ultimately points to a larger battle between biblical Christianity and a false gospel of political appeasement. The choice facing Christians today remains the same as it has always been: will we stand on the authority of Scripture, or will we bow to the shifting sands of contemporary opinion?

Church Fails to Give Moral Lead - Charles Gardner ISRAEL TODAY

Church Fails to Give Moral Lead

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 |  Charles Gardner  ISRAEL TODAY

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Topics:

Christians

The Church of England has once again failed to give a moral lead to the nation.

Their Synod (parliament) has voted against the Bishops’ recommendation that, in the face of huge pressure to allow same-sex ‘equality’, they should continue to take the traditional view of marriage.

Those within the church desperately trying to honour the clear biblical teaching – that a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife (Genesis 2.24) – have reached a discouraging impasse.

Is it not time to say: ‘enough is enough’? Undermining the authority of the Bible only leads to heresy within and confusion without. Sure, the watching world sees a church divided, and some would say that is a bad witness. But there are surely issues over which it is impossible to compromise.

Endless debates create much heat, but bear little fruit. What, after all, is there left to debate? If the choice is whether or not to follow Scripture, then the advice from the Apostle Paul is: “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6.17) Those pushing for same-sex marriage are surely touching something ‘unclean’.

At the end of the day, we will all stand before God to give account of the decisions we have made or haven’t made. (Romans 14.12)

The letters to the seven churches of Asia recorded in the Book of Revelation give as much emphasis on teaching as on behaviour – the key doctrines of Christian belief are hugely important.

The Apostle John, in his first letter, reminds his hearers that those who were spreading false teaching had come from within the churches. “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us,” he wrote. (1 John 2.19)

Heresy was a great danger in the early church, just as Jesus predicted it would be in these latter days. When his disciples asked him about signs of the end of the age, the first thing he said was: “Watch out that no-one deceives you.” (Matthew 24.4.)

Yes, Jesus prayed passionately for unity among his followers. It was never meant to be unity at any cost, however, but the sort of oneness about which Paul spoke in his letter to the Ephesians when he explained that the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers were there “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature…” (Ephesians 4.12f)

The context is clearly about developing maturity within the body of Christ as disciples learn to walk in harmony with the Word of God.

But because the modern church has failed to give a moral lead on the issue of homosexuality, the entire Western world is now in the grip of ‘redefining marriage’, if that is really possible.

We have seen the same thing happen over Israel. Undermining the authority of the Bible has led to the heresy of ‘replacement theology’, teaching that the church has replaced Israel in God’s affections. As a result, there is very little understanding of Israel in the UK church today, and yet God’s end-time purpose is for Jew and Gentile to work together for the gospel! How far we have fallen behind God’s programme!

Tragically, the church has succumbed wholesale to worldliness, ignoring the Bible’s directive: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12.2)

For example, as the mainstream media demonizes President Trump as a fool and a fascist, Christians will all too willingly pick that up without considering whether the truth may well have been stretched and muddied.

Lynne Patton, a black female executive for the Trump Organization, released a statement last year defending her boss against accusations of being a racist and a bigot, tearfully revealing how she’s struggled with substance abuse and addiction for years. But instead of kicking her to the curb, she said that Trump and his entire family loyally stood by her through “immensely difficult times.”

This was revealed in an article by Liz Crokin, an entertainment correspondent who has been reporting for the past ten years on Trump – especially over his involvement in The Apprentice TV show.

“Trump’s kindness knows no bounds and his generosity has and continues to touch the lives of people from every sex, race and religion,” she wrote. “When Trump sees someone in need, he wants to help.”[1]

Isn’t it time we re-committed ourselves to seeking the truth, perfectly demonstrated in Jesus Christ – “the way, the truth and the life”? (John 14.6)

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1. townhall.com, 13 February 2017, also published by Joy Digital, South Africa  ↩

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Charles Gardner is author of Israel the Chosen, available from Amazon, and Peace in Jerusalem, available from olivepresspublisher.com

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Church of England Removes Christ's Cross so Muslims Won't Be Offended - CHRISTIAN CONCERN CHARISMA NEWS

Church of England Removes Christ's Cross so Muslims Won't Be Offended

7/5/2016 CHRISTIAN CONCERN  charisma news

A Church of England school has removed the cross symbol from its uniform, over fears that it may offend local Muslims. (Diane Brennan/Flickr/Creative Commons)

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

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A Church of England school has removed the cross symbol from its uniform, over fears that it may offend local Muslims.

Oak Church of England primary school, in Huddersfield, opened on May 3, a merging of Crosland Moor juniors, Dryclough infants and Thornton Lodge nursery.

Originally the uniform badge contained a design of a cross on an oak tree, which had been designed by a pupil. Now, in a move that has prompted anger from parents at the school, the cross has been replaced by branches of the tree. 

Cross Design 'Temporary'

In a letter to parents, head-teacher David Bendall claimed that the original design was only a temporary version and had not been confirmed.

Mother Niki Trepak, who has four children at the school, questioned this, saying: "Staff said people complained about the cross yet the head says it was only temporary. Why make temporary banners and temporary uniforms?"

Fear of offense.

The school is in a diverse area with a high Muslim population, which has prompted some parents to question whether the cross had been removed over fears of causing offense.

Niki Trepak said that she had not heard any complaints from her Muslim friends.

"I've got quite a few Muslim friends at the school and I asked them, does the cross offend you, and they said no.

"This isn't about race, it's the fact they removed the cross so as to not offend. A Church of England school should keep the cross."
 

Christian Foundation Should Be Given Respect

Chelsea Fox, another mother at the school, said: "The offensive card is always played, and this one time I was proud of something, only to have it snatched back.

"I'm not only disappointed, I'm disgusted.

"Yes, it has remained a Church of England school as it is the church that keeps it open. That needs to be given more respect.

"Thank the church for your children's school instead of complaining about a logo."

Mr Bendall said: "The logo was amended to give more prominence to the tree, which reflects the school name and is an ancient symbol representing many beliefs.

"Three branches signify Oak primary was three schools joining as one. Our ethos is that children of all backgrounds are treated the same."
 

Stark Contrast

This decision to remove the Christian symbol of faith from the CofE school contrasts sharply with the increasing promotion of LGBT issues in schools.

Only weeks ago, 38,000 pupils took part in "Schools Diversity Week," which aimed to tackle 'homophobic bullying'.

The initiative is organized by the charity Just Like Us, whose aims are to "empower and support young LGBTQ+ people to become active agents of change in making schools LGBTQ+ friendly places".

Debating Just Like Us CEO Tim Ramsey on Channel 5 News, Andrea Williams, the Chief Executive of Christian Concern said that while we are "against bullying of any kind", what is being celebrated here is the"indoctrination of a lifestyle". Although "each one of us is beautifully and wonderfully made," she said, we do not have to promote "this idea that all lifestyles are equivalent [and] that all lifestyles bring equal good". 

This article originally appeared on Christian Concern. 

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Over Half of This Denomination Now Supports Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex cake-topper figurines. (Reuters)

Over Half of This Denomination Now Supports Same-Sex Marriage

9/22/2015 THE CHRISTIAN INSTITUTE  charisma news

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

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Over half of the members of the governing body of the Church in Wales have backed the idea of allowing same-sex couples to marry in church.

A secret ballot was held on taking the issue forward. Of the 120 members present, 61 voted in favour of holding same-sex marriages in church.

However, this falls short of the two-thirds majority needed for change.

Constitution

And any amendment to the Church's constitution requires a new bill to be passed by Parliament.

The governing body comprises of the six diocesan bishops alongside 51 other clerics and 86 lay people.

It is now up to the Bench of Bishops to decide whether to take further steps.

'Very foolish'

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr. Barry Morgan, said it would be "a very brave or perhaps a very foolish Bench of Bishops" who would take the issue forward now.

"Because that might just rip the church apart and lead to the acrimony that has been absent from this debate."

The Church of England and the Church in Wales are legally not allowed to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.

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