Our Petition: (Click here to sign.)

Toward a Just and Lasting Peace in the Middle East

With respect to the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s longstanding support of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, the undersigned hereby express deep concern over the decision taken in July 2004 by the 216th General Assembly to "initiate a process of phased selective divestment in multinational corporations doing business in Israel." We acknowledge the considerable division and distrust this action has caused both within our church and within the Jewish community. In addition, we believe this decision distracts from our denomination's historic commitment to a two state solution to the conflict.

Out of this concern:

We call upon the General Assembly Council to postpone further action on the divestment policy until after the 2006 General Assembly.

We call upon Presbyterians to work toward the reversal of the divestment decision by building support for overtures to be presented to the 2006 General Assembly.

While we believe that divestment can be a useful tool for social change, it is wrong to single out Israel as the object of a "divestment" policy when other states and parties in the region are also guilty of serious human rights violations that can and must be addressed.

We support proactive engagement and selective investment of time, talent and financial resources in companies, not-for-profits, NGOs and diplomatic efforts that are likely to promote a just and lasting peace in the region.

We support efforts by individual Presbyterians, congregations and judicatories of our church to engage in dialogue with Jewish communities and sponsor programs likely to improve relations between Christians and Jews.

Because we believe that our church can play a positive role in fostering Middle East peace, we call upon the Presbyterian Church (USA) to pursue faithfully and consistently its historic vision of peace and security for all the peoples of the region.

We believe that a large majority of Israelis and Palestinians prefer peace with their neighbors, rather than violence and war, and are ready to make hard sacrifices to achieve it.

We support a two state solution to the present conflict.

We believe that Palestinians have a right to freedom, security, and self-governance within their own state and, further, that such a state must be established within safe and secure borders and be economically viable.

We believe in Israel's right to exist as a state and Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism and acts of violence that threaten its security.

With other Presbyterians we are committed to the vitality and well-being of the state of Israel in awareness that only a strong Israel can be a partner in a lasting peace.

If you are a member of a Presbyterian Church USA or a minister of the PCUSA, you are invited to sign our petition. If a Session wishes to indicate its support, the Pastor or Clerk of Session may sign, indicating institutional affiliation. Further, individuals and congregations are invited to join PCJCR and support our work. For further information on membership.

(Click here to sign.)

For a list of those who have signed as of 6/27/05

For further information about PCJCR please email Charles Henderson.