The Presbyterian Church has been involved in mission efforts in the Middle East for nearly two centuries. The denomination’s long-standing witness in Israel and Palestine has spanned a range of efforts. Presbyterian World Mission supports mission co-workers who work with partner churches and contributes to refugee relief and resettlement. Our work and that of our partners combats hunger and poverty and supports the ministries of local churches. We also sponsor travel-study seminars that promote education, health and leadership development and offer vocational training programs and self-development projects. Our work supports peace, justice and human rights movements and engages in constituency education. We also mobilize advocates to influence public policy.
Since 1948, Presbyterian General Assemblies have repeatedly addressed the Middle East and particularly Israel and Palestine. The Presbyterian position has consistently been to affirm the right of Israel to exist as a sovereign state within secure, internationally recognized borders and the right of the Palestinians to self-determination, including the right to the establishment of a neighboring independent, sovereign state toward the end of establishing a just and durable peace.
Douglas Dicks
Doug Dicks, World Mission’s associate for ecumenical partnerships in the Middle East, serves in justice and peacemaking in conjunction with St. Andrew’s Scots Memorial Church in Jerusalem and other partners in the region. He has lived and worked in Israel, Palestine and Jordan for more than 20 years. Over the years, Doug has accompanied hundreds of Presbyterians who have come to the region to walk alongside Arab Christians, as well as to learn from them. Through photography and information-sharing, Doug shepherds congregations and councils preparing for pilgrimages and other study trips to the land called ‘Holy.’ Doug’s work enables the larger PC(USA) community to advocate for peace and justice in Israel and Palestine. Read more about Doug’s work here.
Douglas Dicks
Doug Dicks, World Mission’s associate for ecumenical partnerships in the Middle East, serves in justice and peacemaking in conjunction with St. Andrew’s Scots Memorial Church in Jerusalem and other partners in the region. He has lived and worked in Israel, Palestine and Jordan for more than 20 years. Over the years, Doug has accompanied hundreds of Presbyterians who have come to the region to walk alongside Arab Christians, as well as to learn from them. Through photography and information-sharing, Doug shepherds congregations and councils preparing for pilgrimages and other study trips to the land called ‘Holy.’ Doug’s work enables the larger PC(USA) community to advocate for peace and justice in Israel and Palestine. Read more on Doug’s profile page.
Contact Doug at: overthejordan@gmail.com
The Israel-Palestine Mission Network is among more than 40 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies. For more information, contact the moderator of the IPMN.
Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel
The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) brings internationals to the West Bank to experience life under occupation. Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs) provide protective presence to vulnerable communities, monitor and report human rights abuses and support Palestinians and Israelis working together for peace. When they return home, those who have participated in the trips campaign for a just and peaceful resolution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict through an end to the occupation, respect for international law and implementation of UN resolutions.
