FAITH DIPLOMACY AS A TOOL TO COMBAT ANTISEMITISM

BY MIGUEL MUÑOZ VALERIANO, ICEJ SPANISH INTERNATIONAL SPOKESMAN

In January, the Israel Allies Foundation and the Movement to Combat Antisemitism organised the “Latin America Summit on Israel” in Miami, Florida. The forum was aimed at Christian parliamentarians and political leaders in Latin America, to promote legislation and ministerial agreements that adopt the IHRA definition of Antisemitism in order to better fight this racial hatred. I was honoured to represent the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem at this gathering and to present the theme “religious diplomacy as a practical tool to combat antisemitism.”

Religious or faith diplomacy is a form of international relations that relies on religious principles and values to build and foster collaboration between countries, cultures and religions. It maintains that shared values can bridge divisions, build trust, foster dialogue and mutual understanding, and reach consensus. This form of diplomacy uses faith as a force for good that is capable of addressing political and social issues. It focuses on promoting justice, reconciling parties, and showing mutual respect and solidarity – with peace as the ultimate goal.

My starting point in challenging the congress members on faith diplomacy was to present my proposal for a definition that honours our Judeo-Christian heritage. I proposed as its essential principles the three great virtues which the Apostle Paul established as standards for mature Christians in the New Testament: faith, hope and love (cf, 1 Thessalonians 1:3). Similar values emanate from the “Sermon on the Mount”: justice (Matthew 5:6), common welfare (Luke 12:30-31) and peace (Mark 9:50).

Diplomacy for Christians should flow from our FAITH, and present solutions to strengthen PEACE and unity among cooperating nations. We should respect the rights and freedoms of others out of an obligation to LOVE them and seek their WELL-BEING as fellow citizens regardless of race or religion. With HOPE, it seeks constant cooperation based on JUSTICE and other shared values.

“Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak.” (2 Corinthians 4:13 / NIV). Faith is at the core of our identity as Christians. We demonstrate that faith through works and action. Otherwise, it is “dead faith”. Christian leaders must let our actions match our beliefs. Hence the humble but sincere challenge I made to the Latin American Summit: Legislate in favour of the people of God!

Faith diplomacy is a key tool for greater multilateral cooperation on behalf of Israel, to release the promised blessing to “all the families of the earth”. (Genesis 12:3) To that end, we encourage adopting the IHRA definition of Antisemitism!