Church of Scotland concerned about illegal Israeli settlements
-25/05/06
While some co
Church of Scotland concerned about illegal Israeli settlements
-25/05/06
While some continue to advocate sanctions against the Hamas-led Palestinian authority, the (Presbyterian) Church of Scotland has thrown its weight in a different direction – asking European authorities and the World Council of Churches to identify clearly products from illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land.
The decision by the Church’s General Assembly, meeting in Edinburgh, came after delegates were informed that the church had no investments related to the occupation.
In 2005 the General Assembly asked the Church and Society Council to see whether concerns about Israel-Palestine had any implications for the church’s investment portfolio.
“The Church of Scotland doesn’t hold any relevant investment.” Morag Mylne, the council’s convener, said in a telephone interview with the Jerusalem Post.
Ms Mylne, who reported to the General Assembly, said the Church advocated clear identification of products from illegal settlements to enable consumers to make informed choices.
The Church of Scotland is the largest of the country’s Chrstian denominations and is recognised by the state although not formally established.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) last year identified five companies in which it had investments in companies which it said contributed to “ongoing violence that plagues Israel and Palestine.”
The Church of England has also reviewed its investments in US-based Caterpillar Inc., but affirmed this year that it would discuss its concerns with Caterpillar rather than divest its shares.
The World Council of Churches and its members have called for parity of esteem and treatment in seeking a just and peaceful solution in Israel-Palestine.
It has called for churches to work against anti-Semitism, as well as supporting Palestinian rights.
The churches condemn violence on all sides and support a bi-partisan approach, while recognising the disparity of power between the state of Israel and an enfeebled and economically impoverished Palestinian authority.
The WCC has called on the Hamas government to recognise Israel and the international community to recognise the elected Palestinian leadership, believing that this is the best way to isolate extremism and move towards inclusive solutions.
There is also great concern that political attempts to isolate the PA are resulting in increased hardhsip for ordinary Palestinians.
[Also on Ekklesia: Common standards needed for Israel-Palestine peace, says WCC 23/05/06; Palestinian priest to receive Episcopal Peace Fellowship prize; Churches strongly condemn anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial; Iranian president asks Bush, what would Jesus do; Interim aid agreed for Palestinians as churches call for siege to end; US churches in joint call for Middle East peace; UK Christian groups to rally for peace and justice in the Holy Land; Churches seek safety for peace workers in Israel-Palestine; Jewish, Christian and secular activists call for an end to Hebron violence; Bishop questions attack by Chief Rabbi over disinvestment decision; Tensions set to continue around UK Holocaust Memorial Day; Chief Rabbi attacks C of E over disinvestment decision]
Church of Scotland concerned about illegal Israeli settlements
-25/05/06
While some continue to advocate sanctions against the Hamas-led Palestinian authority, the (Presbyterian) Church of Scotland has thrown its weight in a different direction – asking European authorities and the World Council of Churches to identify clearly products from illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land.
The decision by the Church’s General Assembly, meeting in Edinburgh, came after delegates were informed that the church had no investments related to the occupation.
In 2005 the General Assembly asked the Church and Society Council to see whether concerns about Israel-Palestine had any implications for the church’s investment portfolio.
“The Church of Scotland doesn’t hold any relevant investment.” Morag Mylne, the council’s convener, said in a telephone interview with the Jerusalem Post.
Ms Mylne, who reported to the General Assembly, said the Church advocated clear identification of products from illegal settlements to enable consumers to make informed choices.
The Church of Scotland is the largest of the country’s Chrstian denominations and is recognised by the state although not formally established.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) last year identified five companies in which it had investments in companies which it said contributed to “ongoing violence that plagues Israel and Palestine.”
The Church of England has also reviewed its investments in US-based Caterpillar Inc., but affirmed this year that it would discuss its concerns with Caterpillar rather than divest its shares.
The World Council of Churches and its members have called for parity of esteem and treatment in seeking a just and peaceful solution in Israel-Palestine.
It has called for churches to work against anti-Semitism, as well as supporting Palestinian rights.
The churches condemn violence on all sides and support a bi-partisan approach, while recognising the disparity of power between the state of Israel and an enfeebled and economically impoverished Palestinian authority.
The WCC has called on the Hamas government to recognise Israel and the international community to recognise the elected Palestinian leadership, believing that this is the best way to isolate extremism and move towards inclusive solutions.
There is also great concern that political attempts to isolate the PA are resulting in increased hardhsip for ordinary Palestinians.
[Also on Ekklesia: Common standards needed for Israel-Palestine peace, says WCC 23/05/06; Palestinian priest to receive Episcopal Peace Fellowship prize; Churches strongly condemn anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial; Iranian president asks Bush, what would Jesus do; Interim aid agreed for Palestinians as churches call for siege to end; US churches in joint call for Middle East peace; UK Christian groups to rally for peace and justice in the Holy Land; Churches seek safety for peace workers in Israel-Palestine; Jewish, Christian and secular activists call for an end to Hebron violence; Bishop questions attack by Chief Rabbi over disinvestment decision; Tensions set to continue around UK Holocaust Memorial Day; Chief Rabbi attacks C of E over disinvestment decision]