AN APOLOGY I have yet to understand why the governing body of one of the widely established churches in America felt it necessary to issue an apology to both Israel and Palestine for something they said, and did, two years ago.
The 216th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. meeting in Birmingham,Alabama this summer approved a resolution which said: “We acknowledge that the actions of the 2l6th General Assembly (2004) caused hurt and misunderstanding among many members of the Jewish community and within our Presbyterian communion. We are grieved by the pain that this has caused, accept responsibility for the flaws in our process, and ask for a new season of understanding and dialogue.” The commissioners present at the meeting approved that resolution: 483-28
They also approved a new statement on the church policy concerning the Middle East. It restates the thinking of the church in regard to the proper investment of the funds. This has long been a topic of serious concern in which the governing members of the denomination have long been at occasions at all levels. The new resolve says,in part: “Divestment is still an option, but not a goal. Instead, this assembly broadened the focus of corporate engagement to ensure that the church's financial investments do not support violence of any kind in the region. It also affirmed Israel's right to construct a defensive barrier as protection from suicide bombers; instructed the PCUSA “Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee” to deal evenhandedly with Israel and Palestine; and declared that the Presbyterian Church (USA) had no business telling Israel how to defend its borders.”
Attempts to try to down the new resolution averred that the media had misled the people and accused certain elements of the press as having spread untruths. Both such effort failed.
Concerning the future:
I find reason for concern in the fact that PCUS sent representatives into southern Lebanon in July. Reports have said they “complimented Hezbollah” and their visits were featured on Muslim television. Since returning, two members of that visitation group have “been fired” by their deputy director. We might expect yet another version of the “investments” resolution next time the General Assembly gathers in about two years.
For our own good, I feel it might be wise to wait until we get a firm idea of just what the Hezbollah and Hemas elements are in this mid-east mess. Their true intent and the degree to which the people support them will prove to be the key to it all.
Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-30-06 [c-436wds]
