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The Presbyterian Church (USA) World
Ministries' Division - Related Mission Network on Israel and
Palestine have issued the following press release on 21 June
2006:
(BIRMINGHAM) June 21, 2006 – Facing pressure from powerful Jewish
lobbyists, the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s (PCUSA) 217 General
Assembly adopted a resolution to replace the previous assembly’s
language calling for “phased, selective divestment from
corporations that profit from the illegal occupation of
Palestine.” The new resolution does not rescind the 2004
resolution.
This year’s resolution supports Mission Responsibility Through
Investment (MRTI)’s customary process of corporate engagement
that holds divestment as a last option. The resolution states
“that financial investments as they pertain to Israel, Gaza, East
Jerusalem and the West Bank be invested in only peaceful
pursuits, and calls for the customary corporate engagement
process.”
The PC(USA) has continued its stand for moral integrity according
to representatives from the Israel/Palestine Mission Network, the
Mideast Caucus of the PCUSA, Jewish Voices for Peace and various
grassroots organizations. In addition, the Presbyterian Church,
through this resolution, continues to oppose Israel’s continued
illegal occupation of Palestine and calls on the Israeli
government to abide by international law.
Palestinians are facing a humanitarian catastrophe. United
Nations reports reveal that 60% of Palestinians are now living in
acute poverty and that over half of all Palestinians are
completely dependent on food aid. This rise in poverty levels is
a direct result of Israel’s policies of occupation, including
road closures, the construction of barriers, checkpoints, a 25’
separation wall and restrictions on the movement of Palestinian
crops and products.
For more details, please contact:
Casey Currie at +1 313-303-4458
Email: kcurrie45@sbcglobal.net
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