The Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) has called on sports bodies, schools and universities across Southern Africa to reconsider their institutional ties with Israel, reflecting a growing alignment with international solidarity movements advocating for Palestinian rights.
The resolution was adopted at the annual meeting of the Church’s Standing Committee, convened online with representatives from South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and St Helena. The gathering reaffirmed ACSA’s stance that religious institutions cannot remain neutral in the face of what it described as “profound human suffering.”
The Church’s leadership reiterated calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages and political prisoners, and accountability for violations of international law. They also welcomed the recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by several governments and urged others to take similar steps despite resistance from Israel.
The bishops’ statement noted that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths due to conflict, starvation and the collapse of medical systems. They accused the Israeli Defence Force of preventing access to food, water and medicine, while also condemning what they termed “intensifying attacks” by settlers and the continued expansion of illegal settlements.
At the same meeting, frustration was expressed over South African coal exports to Israel, which, according to ACSA, sustain energy grids and fuel military operations. The Church urged the South African government to follow Colombia’s example by banning such exports as part of its principled stance against apartheid and genocide.
As part of its resolutions, ACSA further called on the South African Football Association (SAFA) to lobby the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to suspend Israel from international tournaments. The Archbishop was requested to formally communicate this position to SAFA. The Church also encouraged support for the Global Sumud Flotilla, a non-violent initiative aimed at breaking the blockade of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid.
The Synod of Bishops acknowledged past shortcomings, noting the Church’s historical silence and complicity regarding the plight of Palestinians, and pledged renewed solidarity with oppressed communities. The bishops also encouraged symbolic acts of support such as the ringing of church bells on Fridays at midday.
The latest intervention comes amid growing mobilisation across South Africa. On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators marched from Muir Street to Parliament in Cape Town, demanding stronger government sanctions against Israel. Protesters, ranging from young children to older citizens, braved the heat, chanting “Free Palestine” and affirming their commitment to justice for Palestinians.
The Anglican Church has long been associated with social justice advocacy in Southern Africa, including its role in opposing apartheid. Its latest resolution reflects not only solidarity with Palestinians but also a continuation of its historical engagement in struggles against systemic oppression.
This call is part of a broader pan-African conversation on global justice, recognising parallels between African liberation histories and current demands for decolonisation worldwide. While some welcome the move as a moral imperative, others argue that severing academic and sporting ties risks limiting opportunities for dialogue. The debate illustrates the complexity of balancing solidarity with commitments to inclusive global engagement.
