Overview of the Resolutions
On July 1, 2024, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) passed significant resolutions during its biennial meeting held both online and in person in Salt Lake City, Utah. The resolutions include a decision to divest from Israel bonds and a call for action against companies contributing to human rights abuses in Palestinian territories.
Key Resolutions Passed
1. Divestment from Israel Bonds: The General Assembly voted to divest from bonds issued by the State of Israel. This decision is part of a broader resolution aimed at encouraging the Presbyterian Foundation and Board of Pensions to withdraw investments from governmental debt held by nations maintaining prolonged military occupations, including Israel, Turkey, and Morocco. The resolution highlights concerns over human rights abuses in the occupied territories and seeks to prevent the church from profiting from such occupations.
2. Denouncement of Christian Zionism: Another resolution passed was a formal denouncement of Christian Zionism. This ideological stance, which the church criticizes for linking Israel to biblical promises and justifying land disputes with Palestinians, has been rejected by the denomination.
3. Encouraging Corporate Accountability: The church has called for dialogue with General Electric and Palantir Technologies. The resolution accuses General Electric of supplying fighter jet engines used by Israel’s air force and Palantir Technologies of providing AI technology for surveillance of Palestinians. The church group is tasked with reporting back to the 2026 General Assembly on the progress of these discussions and the possibility of recommending divestment if the companies do not alter their practices.
4. Resolution on Seminary Investment Transparency: A proposed resolution urging PCUSA-related seminaries to align with the General Assembly’s investment strategies failed. This resolution sought to improve transparency around investments at the 12 seminaries affiliated with the denomination, but it did not pass.
Reactions and Context
Historical Context: The Presbyterian Church (USA), which includes approximately 8,800 churches and 1 million members, has a long history of criticism toward Israeli policies concerning Palestinians. The church previously declared Israel an apartheid state, which led to tensions with the U.S. Jewish community.
Current Issues: Bob Ross from the Israel/Palestine Mission Network, a group supporting the divestment overture, emphasized the urgency of addressing Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, particularly in light of recent conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank. The resolution aims to align the church’s investments with its stance on human rights and occupation.
Delegates and Structure: The General Assembly comprises 422 delegate commissioners and 82 advisory delegates. These representatives play a crucial role in shaping the denomination’s policies and responses to global issues.
FAQ
Q: What action did the Presbyterian Church (USA) take regarding Israel bonds?
A: The General Assembly voted to divest from Israel bonds and encouraged the Presbyterian Foundation and Board of Pensions to withdraw from investments in governmental debt held by nations with prolonged military occupations, including Israel.
Q: What is the church’s stance on Christian Zionism?
A: The General Assembly passed a resolution denouncing Christian Zionism, criticizing it for linking biblical views with Israeli policies and justifying land disputes with Palestinians.
Q: Which companies is the church calling to account?
A: The church is urging General Electric and Palantir Technologies to reconsider their practices. General Electric is accused of providing fighter jet engines used by Israel, while Palantir is said to supply AI technology for surveillance of Palestinians.
Q: What happened with the resolution on seminary investment transparency?
A: A resolution encouraging PCUSA-related seminaries to follow the General Assembly’s investment strategies failed to pass.
Q: What is the historical context of these decisions?
A: The Presbyterian Church (USA) has been critical of Israeli policies towards Palestinians for decades and previously declared Israel an apartheid state, which has caused tension with the U.S. Jewish community.
