Episcopal Presiding Bishop Blasts Israel, Urges US Government to End Weapons Sales to Democratic Nation Surrounded by Enemies

No mention of Hamas in remarks to executive council

COMMENTARY

By David W. Virtue, DD

www.virtueonline.org

October 22, 2025

Episcopal Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe sharply criticized Israel in remarks to his church's executive council, describing the situation in Gaza as a "moral travesty" and calling for an end to U.S. weapons sales to Israel. Rowe blamed Israeli forces for human rights abuses, violence, and the destruction of Gaza.

Notably absent from his remarks was any mention of Hamas's role in starting the war in the first place. The terrorist organization's continued resistance to peace efforts and appeals from fellow Arab nations to cease hostilities has fallen on deaf ears.

The Bishop's Statements

"The situation in Gaza and the West Bank is dire," Rowe told the council. "We hear sometimes that we must issue more frequent and stronger statements about the Israeli war on Gaza and the catastrophic effect it has had on the Palestinian people—that if the church does not issue statements, then we believe that the church does not care about this moral travesty unfolding before us or the people in our own church most affected by it."

Rowe outlined the church's priorities: strengthening relationships with the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East, advocating with the U.S. government for humanitarian aid and a permanent ceasefire, ending weapons sales to Israel, and continuous prayer.

What the Bishop Didn't Mention

Rowe's statement overlooked several critical realities on the ground:

The Current Ceasefire: Rowe did not acknowledge that a pause in the war is now in place, nor did he address concerns that Hamas could use this pause to regroup its forces.

Hamas's Role in the Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza has been receiving U.S. aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), but Hamas has systematically stifled the flow of assistance to Palestinians, stealing aid and reselling some of it to Gazans at exorbitant prices. This is a distribution problem, not a lack of aid or willingness to provide it. With the ceasefire, Israel has been able to deliver food directly to the people.

Hamas's Activities: Hamas is currently fighting and killing rival Palestinian tribes in Gaza City in an attempt to assert full control over Gaza—a development Rowe did not address.

Hamas's Refusal to Disarm: Hamas appeared to renege on key demands of President Trump's ceasefire deal just hours after the world celebrated the end of the Gaza war, with a top official saying the terror group will not give up its arms or control over the Gaza Strip. There can be no permanent ceasefire unless and until Hamas lays down its weapons as part of Phase 2 of the agreement.

Israel's Stated Position

From the outset of the war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear that Israel has no conflict with the Palestinian people. Netanyahu has consistently stated that Hamas must be destroyed, not the people of Gaza, and that a Palestinian state alongside Israel is untenable because it would allow a violence-prone state to threaten Israeli security.

President Trump has threatened to "eradicate" Hamas if it doesn't uphold the ceasefire with Israel, and the U.S. will not stop selling arms to its democratic ally.

Understanding Hamas

No one should be surprised by Hamas's refusal to lay down its arms. The 1988 Hamas Covenant spells out the organization's position clearly: Israel must be destroyed, there will be no negotiation, and jihad is the only answer.

Conclusion

Bishop Rowe should examine the full complexity of the situation, not just accept a one-sided narrative. His call for ending weapons sales to a democratic nation surrounded by hostile forces, while ignoring the terrorist organization that sparked this conflict, demonstrates a troubling blind spot.

If Islam is not confronted and overcome it will continue to wreak havoc around the globe with its cries of Sharia Law and Jihad.

The Palestinian Anglican Archbishop, Hosam Naoum, whom Rowe seeks to support lives in the comfort and safety of Jerusalem, condemning the very nation that offers him peace and security.

END