Seeking a just peace in the Middle East, Synod adopts economic leverage resolution
As finally adopted by delegates from the UCC’s 39 Conferences, the resolution calls for continued conversations with Jews, Muslims and other Christians in efforts to achieve peace in Israel and the emerging state of Palestine.
The action specifically reaffirms the UCC’s commitment to Israel’s “safe and secure existence within internationally recognized borders” and neighboring “an independent Palestinian state.”
Reuter also explained that “we seek to use various forms of economic leverage to end to all forms of violence.” The UCC has used its investment portfolio to press for justice and peace on several other occasions.
According to the Rev. John H. Thomas, president and general minister of the UCC, “Our vision is of a shared future for Israel and Palestine, symbolized by the sharing of the city and holy sites of Jerusalem as a capital for both states.”
The Rev. John Deckenback, Central Atlantic Conference Minister who has been involved with interreligious leaders for the denomination, had urged that a comprehensive and balanced resolution be developed. “We need to be advocates for peace, for both Israel and Palestine, using a full range of strategies,” Deckenback said.
Among the economic strategies urged by General Synod include conversations — and possibly shareholder actions — with companies that appear to profit from conflict and violence in the Middle East. If such actions fail, church officials could decide to sell their stock (divest) in the company.
UCC-related agencies and local congregations also will be encouraged to make positive contributions to groups and partners committed to nonviolent efforts to resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Thomas forsees that the UCC may invest in development projects to help build a viable Palestinian economy, as well as invest in groups in Israel and Palestine that are working for peace and against violence.
Thomas noted that the General Synod action does not call for a boycott against the State of Israel and does not call for divesting from companies doing business in Israel. He also said that the Synod “has not equated the Occupation with apartheid in South Africa.”
The Synod action also recommended that church leaders and members advocate for a reallocation of U.S. foreign aid in order to constrain what they called “the militarization of the Middle East.”
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