A Crisis in the Shepherds’ Field
On 9 June 2026, the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) convened its concluding webinar on Ush Ghurab, bringing four weeks of focused advocacy to a head with testimony, legal analysis, and a prophetic call to action.
From the hills of Beit Sahour, traditionally known as the Shepherds’ Field, where angels announced tidings of great joy to marginalised labourers, the view has darkened. For four weeks, the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) has focused on Ush Ghurab, the last substantial reserve of public land for one of Christianity’s oldest living communities. In our concluding webinar, “Settlement Expansion in the West Bank, International Law, and the Church’s Response,” we moved from lament to action.
The message from our partners was unambiguous. As Dalia Qumsieh, human rights lawyer and Director of the Balasan Initiative and panellist in the webinar, said, “Solidarity is a verb. Not just thoughts and prayers.” Together, the panellists dismantled the machinery of dispossession, submitted the situation to the verdict of international law, and issued a prophetic call to a church that can no longer afford neutrality.
Muna Nassar, WCRC’s executive secretary for mission and advocacy, organised and moderated the webinar, bringing together a panel whose composition itself reflected the WCRC’s commitment to centering Palestinian voices. Nassar highlighted the importance of “grounding this conversation in the lived reality of their context, of their everyday lives,” and their “courageous advocacy for speaking truth to power.”
Rifat Odeh Kassis, General Coordinator of Kairos Palestine and a lifelong human rights activist born in Beit Sahour, opened the webinar. Kassis’s experience and partnership with the WCRC have continued to inform the work of the communion as we stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine. Kassis is honest and convicting in the words he shares and was an integral part of the Focus on Ush Ghurab campaign for the past month.
Mr Laith Qumsieh, the newly elected Mayor of Beit Sahour, joined the webinar, offering the current reality for residents. He offered insights into economic projects available to residents as financial resources become increasingly challenging for the people of Beit Sahour.
Advocate Dalia Qumsieh provided insight into the legal aspects of the occupation occurring. Her expertise and years of witness have worked towards the vision of the Balasan Initiative. The Balasan Initiative strives for the indiscriminate protection, respect, and fulfilment of the rights of the Palestinian people, as enshrined in international law, to live in dignity, justice, and peace. They endeavour for a solidified presence of Palestinian Christians in their homeland, Palestine, as an inseparable, vibrant component of Palestine’s social fabric throughout history.
The Church’s Response – “God is Not Neutral”
Rev. Dr Munther Isaac, pastor of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ramallah and author of Christ in the Rubble, delivered a searing theological indictment. “Justice is an essential feature of God. God is not neutral, the church cannot be neutral.” His statement on the history of Christian faith and modern-day Christianity in Palestine was the final presentation to the webinar.
The webinar concluded with questions from the audience, many of whom focused on actionable steps and a desire for more education. The panellist shared resources with the community and urged everyone to continue focusing on Ush Ghurab.
The WCRC stands with Beit Sahour. The angels announced peace to the shepherds on this very ground. It is now the church’s turn to ensure those shepherds have a home to return to.
Watch the webinar recording: https://youtu.be/TT87NqFGVQw
Resources:
WCRC Focus: Palestine Handbook
Balasan Initiative Urgent Appeal to the UN (PDF)
