A response to the statement of the American Jewish Committee
on the actions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, 2004,
and the letter distributed to Fourth Presbyterian Church members by Jewish neighbors on
Sunday, July 25, 2004

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) statement begins, “The American Jewish Committee is deeply committed to religious pluralism and to serious dialogue on a wide range of issues. We value open and honest conversation. . . .” Those are sentiments valued and honored by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago as well. In that spirit, we make the following response.

Avadot Yisrael, Evangelism and the Jews

The AJC statement and the letter from neighbors express deep concern about the General Assembly’s recent action refusing to end funding of Avadot Yisrael (“worship service of Israel”), a new church development sponsored by the Presbytery of Philadelphia in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania. The AJC statement and the letter interpret that action as support of evangelistic efforts targeting Jews in the form of “messianic congregations” disguising themselves as synagogues using sacred Jewish symbols. To the degree that those statements accurately describe the Chestnut Hill congregation, I agree with their concern. Targeting Jews for evangelism is in direct conflict with the stated position of the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly, which is that Jewish-Presbyterian relationships should be based on mutual respect and not proselytizing and that God’s covenant with the Jewish people is not replaced or superseded by God’s covenant in Jesus Christ. Many within the Presbyterian Church, including many leaders of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, agree with that position and are deeply distressed about Philadelphia Presbytery’s funding of the project and the General Assembly endorsement and continuing funding.

The Presbyterian Church will sort this out in the days ahead. Funding for all mission projects begins at the local level, and the General Assembly is always inclined to listen carefully to what a local Presbytery says. That dynamic certainly persuaded some commissioners at the General Assembly to endorse Philadelphia Presbytery’s action. At the same time, the General Assembly committed the Presbyterian Church to strengthening our relationship with the Jewish community, and my expectation is that a ringing endorsement of the “respect and not proselytizing” position will be the resolution.

Presbyterians have been at their best when they have witnessed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, sharing their faith with others, expressing the hospitality of Jesus to all, but not proselytizing our brothers and sisters of the Covenant that, in the context of Reformed Theology, is a gift of God that has not been interrupted and never will be.

Divestment

The General Assembly also approved an overture from one of its Presbyteries calling for the church to “initiate a process of phased selective divestment in multinational corporations operating in Israel” as a way for the PCUSA to express its criticism of Israeli policy regarding the Palestinian people and Israeli military activity within the Palestinian territory. The church’s Mission Responsibility Through Investment unit will do the study and report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly Council.

The AJC statement continues with “by calling for divestment in the State of Israel, Presbyterians assault not Israeli policies . . . but . . . the very existence of an independent Israel.” That, unfortunately, is not an accurate description of the Presbyterian position or action. It is precisely Israel’s policy that we, along with most of the other Mainline Protestant and Roman Catholic religious community have been criticizing, never, ever Israel’s existence. Presbyterians have spoken their support for, prayed for, and advocated a safe and secure Israel alongside a safe and secure Palestinian state. At the same time, the Presbyterian General Assembly has deplored and condemned Palestinian violence perpetrated on innocent Israelis as well as Israel’s persistent violent responses.

Divestment

The Presbyterian Church (USA) conclusion is committed to human rights everywhere in the world and does speak to violations of human rights throughout the world.

The Presbyterian Church has consistently stated its position that Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands is a mistake and counterproductive in the pursuit of peace and security for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is certainly not alone in its position that the security barrier/fence/wall is a step backwards. And the Church acknowledges, and has stated over the years, the tragedy of Israeli citizens living in fear even as Palestinian civilians live in fear.

It is precisely because Israel is an ally, a democracy where human rights are respected and protected, with shared hopes and values with Presbyterians everywhere, that we express our dismay and disappointment when those hopes are not realized.

We absolutely reject any suggestion that our critique of Israeli policy and behavior is an attack on our American Jewish brothers and sisters.

More than ever, Presbyterians and Jews must express their solidarity, the common vision for peace and security they share, the honorable commitment to human rights that is the very heart of both of our religious traditions. More than ever, Presbyterians and Jews must stay with one another and continue the important dialogue. We will remain committed to that goal.


John M. Buchanan
Pastor
The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago