Pro-Palestine English Bishop was banned over anti-Semitism allegations

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Feb 2023 21:33
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the case was brought against him by Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, citing examples of his criticism of "Israel."

Rev Stephen Sizer leaves a disciplinary tribunal at St Andrew's Courtroom, in central London, May 23, 2022 (Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty Images)

In a move viewed by many as a submission to the Pro-"Israel" lobby, the Church of England (CoE) has banned a pro-Palestine priest over claims of "anti-Semitic activity" and for criticizing "Israel".

Following the Church tribunal's decision, the 69-year-old Reverend Dr. Stephen Sizer is effectively prohibited from performing any priestly duties, such as conducting marriage rituals or giving Communion, for a period of 12 years.

Back in December, the Bishop's Disciplinary Tribunal for the Diocese of Winchester found Dr. Sizer guilty of having "engaged in anti-Semitic activity," "provoked and offended the Jewish community," and other actions that were "unbecoming to the office and work of a clerk in Holy Orders."

Sizer was an outspoken opponent of Christian Zionism during his more than two decades as a priest and professor in southern England. He wrote several books and finished a Ph.D. thesis on the subject.

The president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Marie van der Zyl, had brought the case against him, citing 11 cases of those accusations between 2005 and 2018, and she expressed her content with the "unambiguous statement in banning Stephen Sizer from acting as a Clerk in Holy Orders for 12 years."

Because Sizer was initially banned in 2018 when the allegations were made and the 12-year ban issued on Monday takes into account the time already spent, Sizer's suspension will last until 2030.