EAPPI
Ever thought about becoming an Ecumenical Accompanier in
Palestine and Israel? Alternatively, are you interested in inviting
a returning Ecumenical Accompanier to share his/her reflections
with your local church? If so, please read on.
What is EAPPI?
EAPPI brings international Christian volunteers 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 EAs return home, they 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.
Origins and History
The Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, speaking to an ecumenical
delegation to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
in June 2001, called for the churches of the world to stand in
solidarity with the churches and people in Palestine and Israel.
This call for solidarity was to lead to the creation of the EAPPI
programme in 2002 by the World Council of Churches. Since then it
has grown from strength to strength.
Who runs EAPPI in the UK?
Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW), part of the
Religious Society of Friends in Britain (Quakers), coordinates the
EAPPI in the UK and Ireland, on behalf of an ecumenical group who
fund, support and publicise the programme. This group includes:
Baptist Union of Great Britain; CAFOD, Christian Aid, Church of
Scotland, Church Mission Society; Churches Together in Britain and
Ireland; Iona Community; Methodist Church; Pax Christi UK; Scottish
Episcopal Church; United Reform Church and USPG.
What are EAPPI 's relations with the Church of
England?
Since its establishment in 2002 the Church of England has offered
its support to the EAPPI programme through its membership of
ecumenical instruments such as the WCC, CTBI and Christian Aid.
This complements the direct support provided by agencies like USPG
and CMS. Several bishops have also provided direct support by
meeting with EAs and by circulating vacancy notices in diocesan
publications. Parishes and Church of England schools have also
provided platforms for EAs to share their reflections. In 2012 the
General Synod passed a motion "encouraging parishioners to
volunteer for the programme and asking churches and synods to make
use of the experience of returning participants."
How can I volunteer?
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more
about the EAPPI programme then please contact the EAPPI
Coordinating Office here in the UK.
Quaker Peace & Social Witness
Friends House
173-177 Euston Rd
London NW1 2BJ, UK
Fax: +44 207 663 1001
How can I book a EA Volunteer to speak at my
church?
If you are interested in arranging for a returning EA to come and
talk to your church or Synod then please contact the EAPPI
Coordinating Office here in the UK.
Quaker Peace & Social Witness
Friends House
173-177 Euston Rd
London NW1 2BJ, UK
Fax: +44 207 663 1001
How can I learn more about EAPPI
Click here to
find out more about EAPPI.
