The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) announced today that Bishop George Browning has been elected its new president.
Bishop Browning is formerly the Anglican Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn. Bishop Browning has had been a strong advocate for justice for Palestinians throughout his career. His involvement with Palestinians began training Palestinian theological students in the 1970’s, then leading youth pilgrimages to Jerusalem, and hosting Palestinian speakers in Australia.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) is a national coalition of civil society organisations. It comprises unions, churches, Palestinian and Jewish groups, human rights groups, retired diplomats and other interested individuals. APAN advocates an Australian public policy that balances Palestinian as well as Israeli interests. APAN meets regularly with parliamentarians and other opinion leaders in the interests of a broader public debate on achieving a viable Palestinian state
Bishop Browning’s predecessor was Baptist Minister, the Rev Jim Barr.
The APAN executive includes:
Bishop George Browning retired Anglican Bishop
Dr Ross Burns former Australian Ambassador to Israel
Prof Bassam Dally academic and co-founder AFOPA (SA)
A/Prof Peter Slezak academic and co-founder of IAJV
Wendy Turner Queensland based unionist
Moukhles Salah Sydney based businessman and advocate for Palestine
Rev Gregor Henderson Uniting Church minister, former President of UCA
Samira Ghabar academic,social worker & Palestinian community leader.
David Forde served in military with the UN in the Middle East