I am writing in regard to the Chicago City Council's resolution about the visit of a group of Chicago Presbyterians including the Executive Presbyter, the Reverend Robert Reynolds, with a representative of Hezbollah. Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, while a member of the Presbytery of Chicago, had no ecclesiastical or financial involvement with the trip and visit. My personal view is that the visit was ill–advised and I have apologized to leaders and friends in the Jewish community for the pain it has caused. The Reverend Reynolds is a respected, faithful servant of the church. His decision to participate in the visit was his alone. I have also expressed to the Presbytery of Chicago that I am not in favor of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s proposed plan of divestment from certain corporations doing business in the Middle East. Fourth Church has created a plan for positive investment in Israel and the Middle East, which will be proposed to our denomination and which we hope will become a model for other Presbyterian Churches. In addition, the Trustees and Session of Fourth Presbyterian Church have committed one percent of their invested funds to corporations whose business in Israel and the Middle East contributes to peace, well-being and stability. Fourth Presbyterian Church is proud of the strong relationships that we have forged with our Jewish neighbors over many years. Each year, we open our sanctuary to Congregation Sinai to celebrate the high holy days of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. Throughout the year, Fourth Church and several Chicago synagogues regularly participate in joint bible studies and collaborate on support programs for the homeless. We will continue to work with our friends and neighbors of all faiths, our congregation, as well as leaders of the City of Chicago, to foster understanding and respect among all people, particularly in the midst of difficult issues. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person to further explain Fourth Presbyterian Church's position on these issues. I also will be sharing this letter with our congregation so that they can be assured that I am communicating with you directly in the hopes of clarifying this situation. Yours faithfully, John M. Buchanan JMB:jas