Jewish Groups Angered by Presbyterian Statement on Anti-Jewish Bias | Christianity Today

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Christianity Today, June (Web-Only), 2008 |

Jewish Groups Angered by Presbyterian Statement on Anti-Jewish Bias

Revisions give a pro-Palestinian slant, they say.

Nicole Neroulias, Religion News Service | posted 6/17/2008 09:24AM

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A new Presbyterian statement against anti-Jewish bias has instead prompted an outcry from national Jewish agencies, whose leaders call it a major setback in efforts to improve interfaith relations.

Ethan Felson, a spokesman for the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, called the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s updated "Vigilance Against Anti-Jewish Bias" resource a "very troubling development that we know is similarly discouraging to our many friends in the church."

Representatives from a dozen other Jewish organizations agreed, complaining the revisions give a pro-Palestinian slant to the 3,000-word document, unraveling four years of progress made after they had protested the mainline Presbyterians' move to consider divestment from companies in Israel.

Among other things, Jewish leaders say the new statement criticizes Israel's actions in Palestinian territories without making corresponding statements about terrorism targeting Israelis. They also find fault with the PC(USA) interpretation of the biblical gift of the Promised Land "to all the descendants of Abraham" — a group that would include Christians and Muslims as well as Jews.

Jay Rock, the PC(USA)'s coordinator for interfaith relations, said the revised document reflects a balanced effort to respectfully strive for resolution in the troubled region.

"I will say that talking about the issue of anti-Jewish bias in advocacy for Israeli-Palestinian peace is difficult, because it involves two commitments to justice that can easily seem contradictory," he admitted, declining to comment further on the controversy.

Rock said the document will not be revised again before the church's June 21-28 General Assembly in San Jose, California, where it will be among the top issues discussed by church leaders representing more than 2 million Americans.

Related Elsewhere:

The "Vigilance Against Anti-Jewish Bias" (pdf) document is available at the denomination's website.

Other coverage is available from the Presbyterian Outlook, Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, and Presbyterian Layman.

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Robert Bennett

Posted: June 24, 2008 10:15 PM

Why is ANY!!! thing critical or even questioning about the jews and Israel, "anti-semetic"? There is much that needs to be talked about here, alot since 1945 and before. Certainly the role played by jews today in American politics and our national life is under discussion and needs to be brought to light. There are several new books about the part played by international jews since WWI out that bring difficult insights up for us all to think over. I feel as an American we have been fed way to much evil propaganda about alot of things and the jews. Can any of you think of ANY other group that demands this much attention or has so much historical bones in thei closet? Really, every group has their stories and baggage, certainly my own British roots contain has their share, but who promotes all the jewish news that fills our news everyday---are other groups this interested? I doubt it. The FACT that I feel guilty and slightly anxious about even bringing up these topics is wrong.

Janie

Posted: June 23, 2008 10:18 PM


I'm very sorry about the tone of the other comments, too! You people who are so quick to criticize the Presbyterian church might want to enlighten yourselves a little bit by reading what the Babylonian Talmud has to say about Jesus Christ and his followers. Do you people even know what the Babylonian Talmud is? If not, you better find out.

Anna	Posted: June 22, 2008 9:16 PM

The problem is that everyday Presbyterians don't agree with what these 1960's hate America people who have infiltrated the Church believe. 1st homosexuality, now hate Israel, pro-social beliefs that aren't Jesus's beliefs. The pro-social beliefs today are humanist saying man can correct everything without God, but Jesus didn't say to rely on Govern for perfecting society, Jesus said "you" meaning individuals must help the poor outside of government. As for Israel, Jesus is a Jew, a child of the Jewish religion not of Islam as the Palestianian Arabs are. Israel was in Canaan centuries before Arabs and Palistinia was inhabited by roaming bands of tent living peoples. The Jews were there first centuries ago and are just taking back their land. If I was having Canada dropping at least 50 rockets on me everyday, I would be wiping them out not just controlling my hitting back. These true humanist idiots need to start looking at who is the real bad guy and it ain't Israel.

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