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On the first day of the General Synod, a group gathered outside the Kansas City Convention Center for a candlelight vigil. Participants held signs with depictions of eyes while singing and praying together. The signs read, “All eyes on Palestine,” and “We cannot look away.”
The newly renamed UCC Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (MPS), formerly known as the UCC Palestine Israel Network (PIN), is delivering this message from people they’ve met in Palestine.
The words "All eyes on Palestine" are inspired by a Palestinian art project called I Witness Silwan, created in response to Palestinians facing demolition or displacement from their homes. Rev. Linda Noonan, an MPS leader, explained that during her recent visit to Palestine in May with a Sabeel Christian Leaders delegation, she saw large eyes painted across houses in protest of dispossession.
Inspired by this public art installation, MPS leaders plan to stand in silent witness holding images of eyes at Synod sessions. They invite others at Synod to join them as a sign of solidarity with Palestinian partners.
Rev. Linda Noonan said, “We hope our motto for Synod, ‘All Eyes on Palestine,’ can connect people with the notion that right now a genocide is being livestreamed before our eyes.” She emphasized that their partners are watching them and praying for bold action from the UCC.
Rev. John Gregory-Davis expressed hope that attendees would become aware of these issues at General Synod and highlighted concerns about U.S. support for violence toward Palestinians.
Delegates will consider a Declaration for an End to Genocide in Palestine among other proposed Resolutions of Witness.
The Movement for Palestinian Solidarity aims to emphasize ongoing movement-building throughout the UCC with its new name.
Noonan noted that PIN was developed in 2012 alongside similar groups within other mainline progressive denominations supporting a two-state solution. The name change reflects current urgent priorities focused on peace and justice for all living in the area while leaning into connections with Palestinian siblings.
Various activities at Synod include resources related to the proposed resolution on Palestine available at the MPS booth, along with posters, buttons, and kufiyahs for sale.
Another vigil is scheduled outside the Convention Center entrance on Saturday, July 12 at 4:00 p.m., open to all participants.
An in-person workshop titled “For Such a Time as This: Palestine, Solidarity, and Bearing Bold Witness Together” will take place Sunday morning focusing on involvement opportunities.
Gregory-Davis encouraged concerned individuals unsure how to engage to attend and find ways to bring back ideas to their congregations.
At Friday’s vigil, Rev. Jenny Veninga shared insights from her May visit to Palestine emphasizing truth-telling despite challenges faced when sharing it back home.
Rev. Martha Koenig Stone concluded with hopeful benediction urging action against real devastation calling upon God’s strength until peace prevails globally saying: “The devastation is real; the genocide must end; time for action now.”
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