Israeli ally and Christian Zionist appointed to head the ICJ: How end times theology shapes a judge's stance on Israel
By willowt // 2025-01-28
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  • Justice Julia Sebutinde of Uganda cast a lone dissenting vote against South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), sparking controversy.
  • Sebutinde's judicial philosophy is heavily influenced by her affiliation with Watoto Church, a Pentecostal megachurch known for Christian Zionism, and her rulings often cite biblical narratives and Zionist historical claims.
  • Sebutinde was elected as the new president of the ICJ, raising concerns about the impartiality of the court, especially in cases involving Israel.
  • Sebutinde's appointment highlights the growing influence of Christian Zionism in global institutions, particularly in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  • Her dissent in the South Africa case has drawn both praise from evangelical communities and criticism from legal scholars and human rights advocates, who fear her approach may undermine the ICJ's credibility.
In a dramatic turn of events at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Justice Julia Sebutinde of Uganda has emerged as a polarizing figure, casting a lone dissenting vote against South Africa’s genocide case against Israel. Now, as the newly elected president of the ICJ, Sebutinde’s decisions are drawing scrutiny not only for their legal implications but also for the theological underpinnings that appear to guide her judicial philosophy. Sebutinde’s ascent to the ICJ presidency follows the resignation of Nawaf Salam, who stepped down to become Lebanon’s prime minister. Her tenure begins amid escalating tensions over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide gaining momentum as more countries join the legal challenge.

A lone voice in the court

In January 2024, Sebutinde stood alone in rejecting South Africa’s call for the ICJ to demand that Israel halt its military operations in Gaza, end forced displacement and cancel its planned invasion of Rafah. Her dissent was not only unprecedented but also deeply controversial, as it placed her at odds with every other judge on the panel, including Israel’s own representative, Aharon Barak. Sebutinde’s reasoning, outlined in a lengthy opinion, leaned heavily on biblical narratives and Zionist historical claims rather than international law or United Nations resolutions. She cited archaeological evidence and the Hebrew Bible to argue that Jewish ties to the land of Israel date back to the biblical era of Kings Saul, David and Solomon. “The Hebrew Bible offers detailed accounts of the history, culture and governance of the Israelites during this period,” she wrote. “While these texts are religious in nature, many scholars consider them valuable historical documents.” Her reliance on theological arguments sparked immediate backlash. Uganda’s ambassador to the United Nations, Adonia Ayebare, publicly distanced the Ugandan government from Sebutinde’s stance, stating that her ruling “does not represent the Government of Uganda’s position on the situation in Palestine.”

Christian Zionism and end times theology

Sebutinde’s judicial philosophy appears deeply influenced by her affiliation with Watoto Church, a Pentecostal megachurch in Kampala, Uganda, known for its fervent Christian Zionism. Founded by Canadian pastor Gary Skinner in 1984, Watoto Church has long promoted the belief that the modern state of Israel fulfills biblical prophecy and is central to the End Times narrative. In a 2021 sermon titled “Israel: The Greatest Sign,” Skinner declared, “If you bless the Jews, you will be blessed. If you curse the Jews, you will be cursed.” He described Israel’s founding in 1948 as the fulfillment of prophecy and a sign of Jesus’ imminent return. “What happens to Israel is a sign of the End Times scenario,” Skinner preached. “The national rebirth of Israel is the greatest End Time sign we have.” Sebutinde has openly credited Watoto Church and Skinner with shaping her worldview. During a June 2024 ceremony for a new church branch, she said, “The godly values of integrity, honesty, justice, mercy, empathy and hard work that the Skinners and Watoto Church instilled and nurtured in me, over the years, account for who I am today.”

A controversial legacy

Sebutinde’s elevation to the ICJ presidency grants her significant influence, including the power to break deadlocked votes. Critics fear her theological convictions could undermine the court’s impartiality, particularly in cases involving Israel. Her dissent in the South Africa case has already drawn praise from influential figures within Uganda’s evangelical community. Patience Rwabwogo, a prominent Pentecostal preacher and daughter of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, hailed Sebutinde as a “heroine,” declaring, “Not all heroes wear capes.” However, legal scholars and human rights advocates warn that Sebutinde’s approach risks eroding the ICJ’s credibility. Frank Kisakye, a Ugandan constitutional scholar, noted that her rulings appear to align with Genesis 12:1-3, a biblical passage often cited by Christian Zionists to justify unwavering support for Israel.

Historical context and global implications

The intersection of religion and international law is not new, but Sebutinde’s case highlights the growing influence of Christian Zionism in global institutions. This ideology, which views Israel’s existence as divinely ordained, has gained traction among evangelical communities worldwide, particularly in the United States and Africa. Sebutinde’s rise also comes at a critical juncture for the ICJ, which faces mounting pressure to address allegations of war crimes and genocide in Gaza. With Israel likely to violate the fragile ceasefire, time is running out for investigators to gather evidence. As Sebutinde assumes her new role, the world watches closely. Will her decisions be guided by international law, or will her theological convictions continue to shape her judicial legacy? For now, the answer remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher for the ICJ—or for the pursuit of justice in one of the world’s most contentious conflicts. Sources include: TheGrayZone.com BBC.com TheGuardian.com
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