Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center

"Sabeel" redirects here. For the architectural sabeel (sabīl), see Sebil (fountain).
Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center
Formation1989
Founded atJerusalem
Typenon-profit organization
Location
MethodsLiberation theology, Social action
Key people
Naim Ateek, Director
Websitewww.sabeel.org

The Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center (sabeel is Arabic for 'the way' and also 'a channel' or 'spring') is a Christian liberation theology organization based in Jerusalem. It was founded by Palestinian Anglican priest, Rev. Naim Ateek, the former Canon of St. George's Cathedral in Jerusalem.

An official partner of the Presbyterian Church USA,[1] Sabeel has Friends of Sabeel chapters in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Ireland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia.

According to its official website, Sabeel "strives to develop a spirituality based on love, justice, peace, nonviolence, liberation and reconciliation for the different national and faith communities." In particular, the group aims to "promote a more accurate international awareness regarding the identity, presence and witness of Palestinian Christians as well as their contemporary concerns."[2]

Sabeel, which advocates "morally responsible investment,"[3] has been described by its critics as promoting an anti-Israel agenda, including divestment from Israel. It has also been accused of using anti-semitic rhetoric.[4][5][6][7][8][9] The Rev. Canon Dr. Richard K. Toll, the Chair of Friends of Sabeel—North America [10] denies those allegations, writing that "the state of Israel is not above criticism and needs to be challenged when its policies are wrong. And its policy of occupation is wrong." Toll also says that Sabeel "consistently condemns anti-Semitism in all its ugly forms."[11]

  1. ^ "Israel-Palestine Partner Churches and Organizations". Presbyterian Church (USA). Archived from the original on 2005-04-07. Retrieved May 3, 2007.
  2. ^ "About Us". Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center. Archived from the original on May 5, 2007. Retrieved May 9, 2007.
  3. ^ "Sabeel's Call for Morally Responsible Investment: A Nonviolent Response to the Occupation". Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center. Archived from the original on 2007-02-21. Retrieved May 11, 2007.
  4. ^ "CHICAGO TRIBUNE PUBLIC EDITOR LAUDS SABEEL". Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America. 2005-10-25. Retrieved 2022-08-14.
  5. ^ Seid, Roberta P.; Rothstein, Roz (2005-12-09). "Letters: Interfaith Dialogue". The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on 2006-03-21.
  6. ^ Beker, Avi (2005-08-28). "Guardians of the fence". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 2007-10-01.
  7. ^ Melanie Phillips (2006-12-18). "Peace on earth, but hatred towards Israel". Melanie Phillips. Archived from the original on 2007-01-06.
  8. ^ Csillag, Ron (2006-04-12). "Conference on divesting in Israel cause of concern". The Canadian Jewish News. Archived from the original on 2006-04-20.
  9. ^ Steinberg, Gerald M. (2006-04-20). "Cut the cash, end the hostility". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 2011-08-16.
  10. ^ "Leadership". FOSNA. n.d. Archived from the original on 2013-03-25.
  11. ^ Richard K. Toll (12 December 2006). "An Open Letter From Friends of Sabeel To Our Supporters and to Internet Media". Miftah, Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy. Retrieved 2007-05-09.