The chief of the United Methodist Church's public affairs unit in the US will meet today with Jim Owens, President and CEO of Caterpillar in order to convey his opposition to Caterpillar's equipment sales to Israel.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly Council has approved action supporting the denomination's campaign of phased selective divestment of certain multinational corporations doing business with the government of Sudan.

The US United Methodist Church's social action agency wants the denomination to divest from companies providing products or services used for "illegal destruction" in Palestinian areas or that are doing business with the government of Sudan.

Parishes are being urged to withdraw their money from the Church of England after a decision to continue its current investment in US company Caterpillar inc.

In a move that will be seen by campaigners as a snub to the Church of England's 'Parliament', the Churchís Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG) has said it will not recommend disinvestment from the controversial US company Caterpillar

Christian peace campaigners are this morning welcoming the vote last night by the Church of England's general synod - including the Archbishop of Canterbury - to disinvest church funds from companies profiting from Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.