FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2005

CONTACT:
Carolyn Grisko
312.335.0100

STATEMENT OF THE REVEREND JOHN M. BUCHANAN
Pastor of The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago
Weighs in on Meeting with Hezbollah

(Chicago, Illinois—) The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, while a member of the Presbytery of Chicago, had no ecclesiastical or financial involvement with the recent trip of a group of Chicago Presbyterians including the Executive Presbyter, the Reverend Robert Reynolds, which included a meeting with a representative of Hezbollah.

“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,” said the Reverend John M. Buchanan, pastor, Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago. “The Reverend Reynolds is a respected, faithful servant of the church. His decision to participate in the visit was his alone. Nonetheless, I neither agree with the visit nor do I think there is any situation in which such a meeting would be appropriate.

“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 we are proposing 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.

“The members of The Fourth Presbyterian Church will continue to work with our friends and neighbors of all faiths to foster understanding and respect among all people, particularly in the midst of difficult issues.”


Fourth Presbyterian Church, located on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, is a vibrant worshiping community of 5,400 members. It annually serves thousands, locally and globally, through its mission outreach programs. It is a member church of the Presbyterian Church USA.