Chicago, USA - Chicago Presbyterians on Tuesday affirmed a controversial decision by the Presbyterian Church (USA) to exert economic pressure to end the occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem and support a two-state solution that would enable Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace.
More than 300 commissioners from 106 Chicago-area congregations overwhelmingly approved a revised resolution that was drafted after the local assembly evenly divided over the issue in December.
The new resolution affirms a decision made in the summer of 2004 by the national church to sell shares of stock in companies that sell weapons and machinery that some say oppress Palestinians or channel resources to Palestinian terrorists.
But it specifically leaves out the word divestment--a word that has evolved into an emblem since it was used in the 1980s to urge the South African government to end apartheid. Instead, the resolution, which Presbyterians call an overture, calls for those funds to be reinvested in peaceful pursuits such as hospitals, charities and schools in the region. It also invites American, Arab and Israeli citizens of all faiths to collaborate with the church on work for peace.