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| Wednesday, May 31, 2005 |
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| Presbyterians:
Divestment is a Costly Mistake |
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Two years ago, Presbyterian Church
USA leaders began a divestment of corporations doing business in Israel. Since
then, thousands of writers have written millions of words on the topic. Today,
a Google search with keywords (Presbyterian(s), Israel, and Divestment)
produces 181,000 hits.
Missing in the 181,000 results
is an analysis of the money spent by the PCUSA creating and promoting its
Israel Divestment Movement. A volunteer group of
Concerned
Presbyterians have studied the obvious and hidden costs of our
church’s anti-Israel actions.
One finding:
“The Middle East resolutions passed by the 216th and prior General
Assemblies have created a network run amuck of headquarters staff, GA
committees, and outside organizations receiving PCUSA funding.” Our three
page report details the major players.
Another
finding: “As the estimates show, our leadership has directed 4% of the
national budget to staff, committees, and outside organizations dedicated to
promoting a propaganda attack on Israel.” Four percent of the PCUSA
national budget is $4 million per year.
Our letter
rhetorically asked: “Who has paid for this biased and unfounded propaganda
against Israel? We have, through our contributions to per capita and special
offerings.” Contributions from churches to the denominational offices are
voluntary.
Our analysis has been emailed to over
11,000 Presbyterians. While the number is large, it is but 5% of the
membership. We are asking for your help to reach the other 95%. As we wrote in
our
letter to fellow members: “Presbyterians, neither the
Israeli Government nor the American Jewish Community can stop this assault on
Israel. It is our problem – and our responsibility.” Presbyterians
need to contact their commissioners before General Assembly begins June 15.
The actions detailed in our analysis have been
reported by many writers. For the first time, the actions have been put into
one
document with their associated cost.
Thank you
for your consideration and help to End Israel Divestment Now.
Larry
Rued
One of the Concerned Presbyterians
http://www.concernedpresbyterians.net |
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