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| Presbyterians Revise Israel Divestment Policy |
| 2006-06-22 |
| The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted yesterday to back off from a decision it made two years ago to pursue divestment from companies that profit from Israel's involvement in the Palestinian territories. The resolution, passed overwhelmingly at the church's general assembly in Birmingham, Ala., responded to outcries by some church members and Jews who accused the church of insensitivity to Israel. The resolution apologized for "the pain that this has caused" among "many members of the Jewish community and within our Presbyterian communion." Church leaders said it still permitted divestment as a "last resort," but emphasized positive, not punitive, steps the church can take to support Middle East peace efforts. |
| Posted by:Desert Blondie |
| #8 So only a few of the PCUSA assemblypersons were both hate-filled/self-righteous enough to believe the punishing only Israel is proper Presbyterian behaviour, and devious enough to try to pull something over the rest? And nobody noticed until the minutes were read at last year's annual meeting? Actually, that I find believable -- I've tried reading the reports put out by our synagogue's board, and my eyes glaze over. I just trust that they are good people doing their best. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2006-06-22 22:20 |
| #7 That's one of several reasons I no longer belong to ANY "organized religon". Once a critical mass is reached, the group is more and more interested in perpetuating its own power than in actually worshiping God. |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2006-06-22 18:49 |
| #6 It's funny - in a sad sort of way - how these mainstream denominations sound more and more like political parties trying desperately to not offend constituent groups. No principles, no morals, just political positioning. |
| Posted by: Xbalanke 2006-06-22 17:32 |
| #5 According to a post a couple of days ago at Powerline, the disvestment idea was buried in another bill and they didn't know what they were voting on, then the cat got out of the bag. Via Solomonia who liveblogged the debate, does this mean what I think it means??? Barbara...something...in favor...blames the reporting of the last General Assembly's actions for the problems the PC(USA) has had over the past two years (probably referring to the fact that it's supposed to be "phased, selective divestment," not just "divestment" as it's usually referred to)... --- Ignorant laypeople, if only we had used the kinder, gentler description..... |
| Posted by: anonymous2u 2006-06-22 15:49 |
| #4 to confirm, TW, they ARE Presby Church (USA) |
| Posted by: liberalhawk 2006-06-22 13:30 |
| #3 this is the main one, and the other is smaller and more conservative, IIUC. Im quite sure the one using our building is a member of PCUSA (the group here) And why would I expect them to pass a resolution about interpalestinian violence to show theyre not antisemitic? Thats a good talking point, but the fact that someone doesnt express all my talking points doesnt mean he hates me. They did condemn terrorism against Israelis and Palestinians, and I have no problem with that. Look, there may be some genooine antisemites there. Theres a larger number of misguided lefties. There are enough conservatives and better informed liberals, to sway things back to a decent stand. Ergo, I say, good. |
| Posted by: liberalhawk 2006-06-22 13:14 |
| #2 "Our relationships with our Jewish friends were severely strained," The resolution apologized for "the pain that this has caused" among "many members of the Jewish community and within our Presbyterian communion." So they're planning to pass a resolution against Fatah and Hamas for killing more Palestinians than the Israelis ever did? Or for shooting off rockets aimed at civilian communities within Israel proper? No? Then they are still self-righteous antisemites annoyed that they got caught by their friends. NB: there are at least two Presbyterian Church communions in the U.S. It's my understanding that the other one does not subscribe to such vicious nonsense. Liberalhawk, it's quite possible the congregation with whom you are sharing your building belongs to the other one. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2006-06-22 12:45 |
| #1 Good. |
| Posted by: liberalhawk 2006-06-22 09:32 |