What happened at our Strategy Day. Also, some information on our recent survey.
Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network - Update

Strategy Day

On Saturday 2nd April, PIEN members gathered in Melbourne for a great day of reflection, discussion and planning. Thank you to all who participated and thanks also to those who were unable to attend the day but were with us in spirit.

More details about the outcome of the day will be shared in later bulletins, but the day focused on three strategic priorities for the year:
  1. Continue with our settlements campaign. We will link into wider initiatives (including APAN) as well as being more targeted on specific sectors which have the most to offer for us as a church-based network (more to follow).
  2. Support church-based initiatives. There are some significant developments taking place in different denominations (eg Uniting Church of Australia). As a network, we want to support, encourage and foster these developments. We know our Palestinian brothers and sisters are greatly encouraged when churches speak up in support of their rights.
  3. Build the movement. We recognise that we have the potential to grow beyond a network of 500+ people to a much bigger Christian movement, one which is active and powerful in support of Palestinians and speaking out for justice in Israel-Palestine.
A number of working groups have been set up in support of these strategic initiatives. If you would like any more information about these priorities, or if you would like to get more involved in any specific area, please contact the PIEN office. We would love to have you involved!

More details on these areas will be shared in the weeks and months to come.
 

PIEN Survey – what you said about the network



In March, PIEN conducted a brief survey to get feedback from network members about the organisation, its work and effectiveness and to seek your input on priority areas.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to complete the survey. The complete survey results (including text comments) are available as a report which is available via email request (contact@pien.org.au), however, here is a brief summary of the graphs produced by the survey.

The survey results suggest the organisation is doing a reasonable job in keeping people informed and that by and large, members have opportunities to get involved in the work of the network. These monthly bulletins seem to be an important medium of communication, although perhaps there is more that we can do to make the most of these bulletins (see side article).

In terms of organisational priorities, the survey suggests that the network should focus on mobilising churches (including church leaders), supporting Palestinians, and in working to influence politicians.

These survey results were discussed at the PIEN 2016 Strategy Day and were incorporated into priorities for the year.

 

PIEN members gather on 2nd April to work on our strategy for the next 12 months and beyond

News about Palestine

Launch of new political party: Stop Israeli Apartheid Australia

Click here for more details

From the US National Catholic Register: Christians in Palestine - Life Defined by Borders, Walls and Expropriation


Click here for more details

From Kairos Palestine: Together towards the year of Jubilee

Click here for more details


And finally some good news: Palestinian woman wins global teacher award

Click here for more details
 

Events

20th April, Melbourne: Book Launch, Prof Stuart Rees "A Lover's Country"

Click here for more details

6th May, Canberra: Melissa Parke MP, Justice for Palestine, Is It Possible?

Click here for more details

8th May, Adelaide: Book Launch, Prof Stuart Rees "A Lover's Country"

Click here for more details

10th  - 18th May: Palestine, Sabeel Witness Tour

Click here for more details

28th May: Adelaide, AFOPA Quiz Night

Click here for more details

16th - 24th July: Journey for Justice in Palestine

Click here for more details

 

PIEN Monthly Bulletins 

Do you have any articles, websites, links, stories, or bible studies which might be of interest to other PIEN members? We value all contributions to this bulletin. Please email us on contact@pien.org.au if you have any ideas for bulletin articles.

 

Australian Christians who seek lasting peace for the people of Palestine and Israel. 

We aim to equip and 
inform Australian churches, inspired by Christ’s vision for universal reconciliation.

www.pien.org.au

Executive Officer
Tim Budge
0412 051 574 
contact@pien.org.au