WCC Urges Divestment from Israel

February 22, 2005

Source: Beliefnet.com/Religion News Service

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/161/story_16131_1.html

On February 22, 2005 the Religion News Service reported, "The World Council of Churches has urged its 347 member denominations to give 'serious consideration' to pulling investments out of Israel in protest of what it sees as mistreatment of Palestinians. In calling for church-sponsored 'economic pressure,' the WCC on Monday (Feb. 21) gave strong support for last year's controversial decision by the Presbyterian Church (USA) to seek 'phased selective divestment' from Israel. 'This (Presbyterian) action is commendable in both method and manner, uses criteria rooted in faith and calls members to do the things that make for peace,' the WCC's 150-member Central Committee said in its resolution. The Geneva-based WCC is the major ecumenical voice for the world's mainline Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox churches. It does not include the Roman Catholic Church or most evangelical or Pentecostal churches. While the WCC statement is significant, it is not binding on member churches."