World Biblical Zionist Statement
“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord …” (1 Thess. 5:12)
In the past, it has been my policy to refrain from responding in any specific way to each and every controversy that bubbles up. The primary reason for this hesitance has been that, were I to address each one with a published statement, I would spend most of my time writing position papers. Instead, I have always tried to address the larger issues and make my overall position clear through our magazine, teaching resources and lectures, hopefully in a scripturally balanced manner. In short, I just don’t think it is productive to add more spice to an all ready boiling pot. Generally speaking, this will continue to be my posture in the future. That being said, certain recent events compel me to address an issue outright and clear up a potential misunderstanding.
As many of you know, our dear friend Eddie Chumney has been collaborating with Joel Bell of Frontline Israel and Likud Central Committee member Sagiv Asulin in an effort to bridge the chasm between Israeli Jews and believers in Y’shua. Operating under the banner of World Biblical Zionists, this effort seeks to “develop opportunities through partnership for your participation here in Israel. Investments, jobs, housing, education, military training, community, and tools you’ll need to make Israel your home.” [source: www.biblicalzionist.org]
Earlier this spring, Eddie contacted me about the development of this organization and solicited my support and involvement. I explained to Eddie that I would have to learn more about these men and the specifics of this organization before I could get behind it. In this same conversation, Eddie invited me to attend an inaugural meeting with Bell, Asulin and key figures in the Hebraic Roots movement to be held in Portland, OR. For multiple reasons, I did not attend.
In mid August, I attended a Hebrew Roots conference in Chicago IL as one of the featured speakers. Just a couple of weeks before the conference began, the decision was made to invite Bell and Asulin and give them opportunity to address the attendees on behalf of World Biblical Zionism. I sat in on those two sessions to hear for myself what they had to say. To be concise, I heard things that I agreed with and things I did not agree with.
After the conclusion of the conference, Eddie and Joel Bell asked if I would meet with them. So, Eddie, Bell, Asulin, Brad Scott and I met for about two hours and discussed potential involvement with WBZ. I explained to Eddie, Bell and Asulin that, in principle, I agreed with the concept of building bridges, however, I voiced in a very clear manner my concerns about issues I considered as critical. Those issues were discussed at length and it was agreed that, before I could even consider endorsing WBZ, these issues would be addressed and resolved. At the end of the meeting, I made it very clear that, while I was open to discussing things further, I was not endorsing WBZ. Furthermore, I stated that my involvement would require getting to know Bell and Asulin more intimately. Brad understood this, Eddie understood this and I assumed everyone else did as well.
Two weeks later Eddie and I attended another conference in Portland OR giving me the opportunity to follow up on our previous conversation. In this private meeting, I raised some concerns to Eddie that I did not feel I could discuss with Bell and Asulin present. At this time, I made it clear to Eddie that I fully supported and trusted his motives but that, because I did not know Bell or Asulin, I could not be “on board.” I explained to Eddie that this was in no way to be considered as opposing his efforts. Eddie conveyed to me then and has reiterated it since then that he fully understood and respected my position.
Why am I supplying all of these details? I want to give a clear and accurate account of the events that led to this point because, to date, there is no evidence suggesting that the questions and concerns I raised in Chicago have been addressed or even considered. Some of these concerns could have been handled quickly and quite easily. Furthermore, on the same night I was speaking with Eddie in Portland (August 30, 2008), an email was being distributed by Joel Bell that listed me as one of those “leaders” who were endorsing and participating with WBZ. Upon hearing of this, I contacted Eddie and asked if he would direct Bell to correct this situation. In fact I made it clear that if Bell did not rectify this error, any possibility of my involvement in WBZ would be negated. It was and is my belief that if Bell made the honest mistake of misunderstanding my position, he would not hesitate to correct the situation in another email. It is my understanding that another email without my name was sent out but there was no mention of the fact that my name had been mistakenly added to the first one. Thus, I can not help but wonder if the addition of my name to this first email was an honest mistake or something else. Frankly, this situation has underscored certain concerns I had about Bell from the beginning – concerns that I intimated to Eddie on August 30.
To date, no other attempt to reconcile this email situation has been made by Bell and I can only assume that no such effort is forthcoming. Therefore, I want it to be clear that I have never endorsed WBZ, I am not currently endorsing WBZ and, given the present circumstance, do not intend to endorse WBZ in the future. That being said, I also want to make clear that I do stand with, support and trust the motives and intentions of my colleague Eddie Chumney. Anyone who knows Eddie, knows that his intentions are pure. In my opinion, his pure heart is so evident even those whose intentions are not pure can see it and, perhaps, take advantage of it.
Finally, I want everyone who reads this to know that I do believe the prophecies are clear – God is preparing the hearts and minds of His people for their ultimate return to Him and the Land He has set aside for all of His people, Eretz Yisrael. There will come a day when He will lead us into that land and, in my humble opinion, that day is coming sooner rather than later. In the meantime, let us be diligent to continue in the work He has given us to do here, even as we anticipate being gathered together unto Him. Let us be sober minded and on guard against the wiles and deceits of the Adversary lest we become ensnared in one his clever traps. That we may achieve these goals, let us, as brothers and sisters, be quick to close ranks and work together in harmony with His Torah and His people for His purposes. Amen!
Bill Cloud
September 16, 2008
