Introduction

The leadership of the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago (the Session) offers the following statement, adopted at a special meeting on November 21, 2004, as our formal response to issues arising from actions of the 216th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in July 2004. We make these pledges and commitments trusting that they will express our good faith and our desire to work with all parties toward greater understanding, cooperation, and peace.

Yours faithfully,
John M. Buchanan, Pastor
November 22, 2004

Preface

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity.” Psalm 133:1

We, the Session of the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, are grateful for the ties that have bound the Presbyterian and Jewish faith communities together over the years. We, therefore, deeply regret that certain actions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have caused distress to our Jewish neighbors. Our longstanding friendship and our concern over the threat of damage to valued relationships move us to respond formally to this situation. After extensive meetings between the pastor of our church and representatives of the Jewish community, and after careful consideration of the issues arising from our General Assembly’s actions, we, the governing body of this congregation, have in a special meeting prayerfully adopted the following resolution.

The Session Resolution

I. In regard to the General Assembly’s approval of an overture to begin a process of phased, selected divestment from corporations whose business in Israel causes harm to innocent Israeli and Palestinian people, we will work to communicate our understanding that this initiative is not a boycott of Israel nor a divestment from all corporations doing business in Israel, nor is it intended to be an attack on the economy or existence of Israel.

In order to express our commitment to the people of Israel, we will propose through the Presbytery of Chicago that should the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), as a result of the General Assembly’s action, sell its holdings in any corporation doing business in Israel, whatever proceeds are realized from the sale of those holdings be reinvested in corporations whose business in Israel is positive, helpful, and peaceful.

We also acknowledge that the investment policies of the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago are the prerogative and responsibility of the Session and Board of Trustees of Fourth Presbyterian Church, not the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Therefore, we will instruct the Investment Committee of our Board of Trustees to discover appropriate corporations whose business in Israel is positive, helpful, and peaceful and to make appropriate investment of Fourth Presbyterian Church funds in such businesses.

In addition, in light of the important relationship between Presbyterians and Jews and the collaboration and cooperation that has been a blessing to us, we will ask the General Assembly Council before proceeding further to find a prompt and effective way to hear from leaders of the American Jewish community about how such divestment is viewed by them; to consider their views; and to share with them the concerns that prompted the General Assembly action.

II. We unequivocally condemn both death and other harm perpetrated against innocent Israeli citizens by Palestinian terrorist organizations and the death and other harm perpetrated against innocent Palestinian citizens by Israeli action. We ask our Jewish neighbors to understand the Presbyterian church’s long record of commitment to justice and peace in the Middle East.

We pledge ourselves to developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of our Jewish neighbors’ commitment to the land and the nation of Israel and to Israel’s right to live safely and peacefully within secure borders recognized by all. In like manner, we recognize the longings of the Palestinian people for a homeland where they, too, can live safely and peacefully within secure borders recognized by all. We will work towards solutions that will be mutually beneficial to both nations.

III. In regard to the meeting of a delegation of Presbyterians with representatives of Hezbollah, we are grateful for the clarification provided by the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Clifton Kirkpatrick, that the meeting was “not authorized” and the comments made by one of the members of the delegation to the press were “reprehensible.” We support that rebuke. We also acknowledge the disciplinary action taken by the national office relative to the employees involved with the meeting with Hezbollah.

IV. In regard to the General Assembly’s decision not to discontinue funding of Avodat Yisrael, a new church develop-ment in the Presbytery of Philadelphia that appears to focus on Jews for conversion, we will ask our denomination to reconsider that decision, and we will strongly advocate for a cessation of that funding in light of the long and respectful relationship that has existed between Jews and Presbyterians and our conviction that both Jews and Christians are children of the Covenant.

V. We reaffirm our respect and affection for our Jewish neighbors, in particular our gratitude for the people of Congregation Sinai, Temple Sholom, Congregation Kol Ami, and other Jewish congregations with whom we have the privilege of working, and our gratitude for the blessing of the relationships that have emerged among us.

Finally, we express our hope that working together with goodwill, trust, energy, and imagination we might help to bring an end to violence and conflict in the land that is precious to Jews, Muslims, and Christians. We trust that in the days ahead we might be helpful in creating a future that embraces two nations existing peacefully within mutually respected borders.

Adopted by the Session of
Fourth Presbyterian Church
November 21, 2004

Attest: John M. Buchanan, Moderator
Clyde O. Bowles Jr., Clerk