Mainline Denominations Guilty of Applying Double-Standard in Middle East, Activist Says
by Bill Fancher and Jody Brown
August 3, 2005
(AgapePress) - Several mainline Protestant denominations are being condemned for their increasing hostility towards Israel.Ignoring scriptural warnings to nations that do not support Israel, several mainline denominations are calling for economic sanctions designed to punish the Jewish people. The churches are demanding that businesses divest themselves of any holdings and facilities locate in Israel because of the Palestinian situation. Their denominational leaders believe Israel is to blame for the terrorism in the Middle East.
Mark Tooley of the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD) lists those churches taking such a stance. "The Presbyterian Church (USA) has endorsed the divestment idea," Tooley explains, adding that the United Church of Christ has "at least indirectly, endorsed the idea, and a committee of the Worldwide Anglican Communion has similarly endorsed the idea -- [as have] several regional bodies of the United Methodist Church."
In addition, a resolution before the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Assembly would have that denomination follow suit -- specifically, condemning the Jewish nation for constructing a security barrier to deter terrorist activity. The resolution calls upon the Israeli government to cease construction of the barrier, tear down the segments that have already been constructed, and make reparations to those who have lost property and homes.
The IRD spokesman is urging all these denominations not to apply a double-standard against Israel. "They condemn Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands and treatment of Palestinians while ignoring the larger security situation," Tooley explains, "and, more egregiously, ignoring human rights violations by the Palestinian Authority and by neighboring Arab governments.
"Rarely, if ever, are there words of criticism or even concern from mainline church officials about gross human rights abuses committed by communist, radical Islamist, and other cruel regimes," he adds.
Tooley maintains that churches in America need to be "more even-handed, factual, and less swayed by failed theological and political fads" when they address human rights concerns in the Middle East.
Why this movement among denominational leaders to punish Israel? "It's premise is that Israel is to blame for all of the problems between it and the Palestinians and other Arab neighbors -- which, of course, is erroneous," he says.
According to Tooley, the push to divest interests in Israel began many years ago, but has intensified over the past two years.
