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July 1, 2008

Jews encouraged by Presbyterian action on Middle East

by Tim Murphy
Religion News Service

Jewish groups said the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s recent call for peace in the Middle East is an “important step forward” in repairing relations between the two sides after several years of acrimony.

At the Presbyterians’ recent General Assembly meeting in San Jose, Calif., the church called for a non-partisan approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“We will avoid taking broad stands that simplify a very complex situation into a caricature of reality where one side clearly is at fault and the other side is clearly the victim,” said a statement passed by the assembly.

The church, in a 504-171 vote, also joined with other denominations to endorse the Amman Call, which was initially issued by the World Council of Churches last June and urges a peaceful two-state solution.

Delegates also called for more direct U.S. involvement toward brokering a peace agreement and to refrain from unilaterally supporting either side of the conflict.

Previously, Jewish groups were upset with what they perceived as the church’s bias against Israel, arguing that the church overlooked the actions of Palestinian militants. In response to the Assembly’s statements, the nine Jewish groups expressed hope that the church will direct pressure against Iran and Syria, both of which have provided support for terrorist acts against Israelis.

While optimistic, the Jewish groups expressed concern with some elements of the Assembly’s position.

“(The Amman Call) purports to advance peace, but is inconsistent with a political solution that would include a viable Jewish state alongside an independent Palestinian state,” the groups said in a statement.