Judeo-Christian Alliance

Bishops Hit Anti-Israel Divestment Campaign

The David Project, through its Judeo-Christian Alliance initiative, has secured the support of two Episcopalian bishops to lead an anti-divestment effort in mainline churches.

BOSTON, June 21, 2005 -- Two prominent Episcopalian bishops are warning their church not to support the anti-Israel divestment campaign that is splitting Protestant churches in the U.S. Divestment, they warn, places exclusive blame for the Arab/Israeli conflict on Israel, promoting an understanding that "is entirely inconsistent with the actual history of this long and tragic conflict."

Their warning comes in the form of an anti-divestment petition released in conjunction with the Judeo-Christian Alliance, an initiative of the David Project, a Boston-based group that promotes a fair and honest discussion of conflict in the Middle East.

The two bishops, Rev. Geralyn Wolfe of Rhode Island and Rev. Edward S. Little of Northern Indiana warn fellow Episcopalians that divestment "seems to justify the tactics of terrorists. This would only encourage the violence the church hopes to end, and the continued suffering of Arabs and Israelis for years to come."

JCA President Dennis Hale, Ph.D., an Episcopalian himself, says the willingness of the bishops to oppose divestment publicly indicates just how divisive the campaign has been for churches.

"For a long time, Protestant leaders have been forging close ties with those who are pledged to the destruction of Israel, falsely claiming to be pursuing 'peace and justice'," Hale says. "They are in fact prolonging this terrible conflict. Divestment is just another way of saying that Israel has no right to defend itself and therefore no right to exist."

The bishops' announcement comes days before the United Church of Christ's General Synod addresses two divestment proposals and another calling on Israel to dismantle the separation barrier that has saved hundreds of Arab and Israeli lives since 2003.

Dexter Van Zile, a member of the UCC and director of the JCA says the resolutions are a consequence of the propaganda spread by the denomination's leadership.

"UCC leaders have shamelessly fronted for Sabeel, an anti-Israel group that has dusted off the deicide charge against Jews and has directed its energy against the Israel," he says. In the next few days, Van Zile will release a report about Sabeel's teachings of contempt.

James Hutchins founder of www.UCCtruths.com, a Web site that confronts the political activism of the denomination's leadership, expressed concern about the UCC's connection to Sabeel.

"Sabeel's political rhetoric doesn't build bridges, it builds animosity and contempt," Hutchins says.

The petition can be seen at: www.judeo-christianalliance.org/EpiscopalPetition.htm