Faith

United Methodists Strike Down Two Resolutions Calling for Divestment From Israel

United Methodists Strike Down Divestment From Israel ProposalsFor activists and Christians opposed to the so-called Israeli occupation, two key votes by the United Methodists will certainly serve as a discouragement. On Wed., May 2, the denomination twice voted to reject resolutions that called for a divestment from companies accused of assisting Israel in the ongoing dispute over Middle Eastern lands.

To the chagrin of those supporting these proposals, both votes failed by a large margin. About two-thirds of the 1,000 delegates that were gathered in Tampa, Florida, for The United Methodist Church’s General Conference voted ”no.” Similar rejections were also given when the same general proposals were made back in 2008, Religion News Service reports.

This is not to say that there wasn’t plenty of support for Palestinians during the conference. The Rev. Bon Long, a delegate from Oklahoma, as quoted by RNS, stated his view that support for both Israel and Palestine is understandable.

United Methodists Strike Down Divestment From Israel Proposals

“Of course we care about the Palestinians, and what they’ve been through,”he said during the debate. “But we also care about the Israelis and what they’ve been through.”

RNS continues, capturing the views of some of the others who supported and opposed the initiative:

This year, high-profile activists, such as Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, had lobbied in favor of divestment.

“Such action made an enormous difference in apartheid South Africa,” the Nobel Peace Prize laureate wrote this week in the Tampa Bay Times. “It can make an enormous difference in creating a future of justice and equality for Palestinians and Jews in the Holy Land.”

But many American Jews had strongly opposed the divestment resolutions, calling them unfair and politically naive.

“A one-sided approach damages the relationship between Jews and Christians that has been nurtured for decades,” about 1,200 North American rabbis wrote in an open letter. “It promotes a lopsided assessment of the causes of and solutions to the conflict, disregarding the complex history and geopolitics. Furthermore, it shamefully paints Israel as a pariah nation, solely responsible for frustrating peace.”

United Methodists Strike Down Divestment From Israel Proposals

Despite the failures of the divestment proposals, on Wed., delegates did approve a measure that stand in opposition to Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.

In the end, the debate over this issue will likely continue, as denominations, like United Methodists, weigh the odds of cutting financial ties with Israeli businesses.

Comments (49)

  • MAX0O1
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:06pm

    There is no such thing as a palestinian . It is a political tool made up by Arabs and Jordanians after
    Israel was proclaimed a state. It was also a coverup for placing their own people in detention camps.
    Factually Israel is the ones who are occupied. The land the so called palestinians are on is Israels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • welloddyfriggindah
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 6:48pm

    Hoooooooey…interesting how Christians wanting to make comments or discuss their thoughts have to be confronted by people who are a wee bit sideways over Christians. Frankly, I am a live and let live sort of person, and am not trolling around looking for people that bug me. Kind of a sad existence and waste of time to me. I do appreciate the comment from patriotmama, but macpappy might want to find a less stressful hobby.

    Report Post » welloddyfriggindah  
  • Individualism
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 3:17pm

    The only reason to boycott Israel is if they got USA into war with Iran and it would be done until Israel gets out of our politics for good.

    Report Post » Individualism  
  • SpeckledPup
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 12:20pm

    “islamic territories” inside the United States,
    …. “palestinian territrories” inside Israel. .. same thing.

    And, what will we do if obama declares “islamic territories” inside our America for his sharia-law muslim brotherhood immigrants?

    Report Post »  
    • Hollywood
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 3:25pm

      Genesis 12 V 3 says it ALL. God will bless those who BLESS HIS chosen people, the Jews,and Curse those who curse them. ALL the psoturing by so called Christian groups supporting Palestinian “RIGHTS” won’t change this. All THEY have to do is guarantee Israel[jewish people] the RIGHT to EXIST. THIS will not happen UNTIL the ANTI-Christ CONFIRMS an EXISTING agreement/covenant for a 7 year period that will do this. Want deatila?? Read the BIBLE. This was PREDICTED 2500 and 2000 years ago, along with the REBIRTH of Israel after a 1900 year dispersion. WHAT other nation on earth has this happened to? NONE,ZERO,NADA. Get the DVD The Daniel Project for PROOF of my/these assertions
      Maranatha

      Report Post » Hollywood  
  • SpeckledPup
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 12:17pm

    how soon will the vile obama be calling for ” ISLAMIC TERRITORIES” inside the United States? and what will we do about it.

    …. “palestinian territories” in Israel, same thing.

    Report Post »  
  • SpeckledPup
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 12:13pm

    it should be said to these stupid Meths that there are no “palestinian territories” like their anti-Israel pro-muslim faction keeps claiming, it is all part of the nation of Israel where the palestinians are squatting. ====== like there are no “islamic territories” in America. yet.

    Report Post »  
  • 5XDADDY
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 12:04pm

    O.K. let me explain it to you in highly simplified terms. In the old testament, GOD promised to give to Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan (later called the Promised Land and often referred to as the Holy Land) FOREVER. Canaan included modern-day Israel, all of Lebanon,
    most of Jordan and much of Syria.

    Abraham had two sons that are important to this story. Ishmael who was born first to Hagar, the bondwoman of Abraham’s wife Sarah. Second, Isaac who was actually born to his wife Sarah. Generally (remember, I said highly simplified) many (if not most) Jews consider themselves to be the
    descendants of Isaac (son of Abraham’s actual wife Sarah) and many (if not most) Arabs consider themselves to be the descendants of Ishmael(son of Sarah’s bondwoman). Most Arabs are Muslim and in fact Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, was a descendant of Ishmael.

    Normally, the BIRTHRIGHT went to the firstborn son, and herein lies the rub. Arabs (and by extension Muslims) believe that Canaan belongs to them forever because Ismael was Abraham’s firstborn son (whichs he was cronologically speaking). Jews believe that Canaan belongs to them forever because Isaac was Abraham’s firstborn son from his actual wife.

    Regardless of the retoric about who was there first or who is oppressing whom, it really is about two groups that believe the land of Canaan was given to them by GOD. Neither side is going to surrender (via some political negotiation what they believe GOD g

    Report Post »  
    • SovereignSoul
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:44pm

      So, fornication is to blame.

      Report Post » SovereignSoul  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:57pm

      wouldn’t that be adultery??

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 1:11pm

      I recently started attending a METH. church in my area.. haven’t been going to church sine we moved out here 8 summers ago.. I was born and raised CATHOLIC.. however when trying to donate toy’s one Christmas to the Catholic church in the area the priest told me he has NO idea who would be able to use them OR if anyone needed them.. that told me he was NOT a community PRIEST rather someone who simply said mass.. however.. The meth church always had signs out in front and hosted different things for the community so I decided to go .. but before I sat down with the pastor and asked him a list of question.. INCLUDING.. IF he stood with ISRAEL and their right to exist and defend themselves.. he did a lot of talking as did I pointing out the there is no such thing as a Palestinian.. also went over the covet that GOD made with the Jewish people.. after which he said he just wished that Israel would treat the Palestinian better.. at which time I told him I WOULD rather be a Palestinian in Israel than a JEW in Palestine.. well he had to agree on that one.. I do note his sermons are more geared to Israel after that.. and BTW the people who attend this particular church are conservative no matter what the preacher says they aren’t buying into the liberal BS.. so it depends on which METH church you attend as to if they are liberal or not..

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
    • SovereignSoul
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 5:32pm

      @Independent – Fornication typically refers to consensual sexual intercourse between two people not married to each other.[

      Report Post » SovereignSoul  
  • CS_GUY
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:36am

    Good for the leadership of this God driven faith organiztion!

    All Christians have an obligation to be faithful to God’s word.

    Report Post »  
    • Carol1955
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 2:35pm

      I think you will find that it wasn’t the Methodist leadership that stood for Israel, it was the body of delegates. The leadership is overtly liberal.

      Report Post »  
  • Gardinierdetournesol
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:45am

    MACPAPPY I cannot say I understand your response. You are overlooking that the first Christians were in fact once devout Jews who simply believed Jesus was the Messiah spoken of in the Old Testament. The term Christian was not used by them in the beginning, as they still considered themselves Jews. Flash forward through history, where now many other people from other cultures and traditions came to believe in the testimony of Jesus’ early disciples, and the foundation of Christianity, Judaism, is still very much alive in that our New Testament is still a very Jewish inspired text. It is coupled with the Old Testament in the Bible for a reason, as the New Testament makes constant reference to the Old. It did not replace it, but continued the story, as we believe and as is stated in the New Testament. I don’t see how, as you say, the success of Judaism would mean the death of Christianity, as the two faiths have coexisted for some time now…unless you know something I don’t and Jews are involved in some sort of conspiracy to eradicate Christians. Not everyone who is religious is a radical who is bent on eradicating all other opposing faiths. That, I believe, constitutes a minority fringe that can arguably be found in a minority of all faiths, but who have not been successful in carrying out their wishes for a one world united belief system (based on their belief system of course). So our common ground is our shared history and much more that you seem to have missed.

    Report Post »  
    • mycomet123
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:05am

      I totally agree in that we who call ourselves christian also should call ourselves ISRAEL because that is what the bible states. Ephesians 3; 6 This is the mystery that throught the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and shares together in the promise in Christ Jesus. CHRISTIANS ARE ISRAEL. Romans 11;25-26 I do not you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited; Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of Gentiles has come in. And so ALL Israel will be saved.

      Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 12:46pm

      You have basically made the point I was alluding to. The new testament does refer to the old testament many times, however, the old testament never refers to the new testament. Of course, the first Christians were protestant Jews, as they had to claim to be the holders of Jesus’ word the son of God, and the Messiah spoken of in the Old Testament.
      With all respect to you and other Christians, to your faith, and your right to practice it, I will humbly remind you that the Old Testament was the only Testament before the protestant Jew formed a new religion called Christianity, and “wrote the New Testament”.

      Report Post » macpappy  
  • whizkidd
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:22am

    Obviously, this denomination needs to drop “United” from it’s name!! In all forms of Christianity it is a central point that Israel is in God’s favor, regardless of whatever politics or earthly events are going on here. God chose to have his Son be born in Jerusalem–it was not a random throwing of a dart at a map decision to be made!! The Bible clearly reinstates the bond between God and the people of Jerusalem!! There must be foxes in the hen house of the United Methodist Church!! Never forget that the Archangel Lucifer was cast DOWN to Earth and he is in his domain here…unrest within any Christian denomination only brings him joy!! Focus on serving and understanding God better than social and political issues that only undermine the foundation of the Church!!!

    Report Post »  
  • dopie joe
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:49am

    The Methodist church turned to crap when they “united”.

    Report Post »  
    • justangry
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 5:54pm

      Your religion is better, eh? This is like the 2nd or 3rd hit piece I‘ve seen towards the Methodist church or it’s leadership on this site. I’m an agnostic, but my in-laws are all Methodist. They‘re pretty good people and their little farm church doesn’t really get into politics of Israel. They just make really good food.

      Report Post » justangry  
  • amerbur
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:33am

    Why don’t they call for Hamas to give up their policy of hate and murder. They might start with the obvious obstructions to peace. Quit teaching the children to hate and murder and we might get somewhere. I am sure God loves us all, but he must think we have waisted the brain cells he gave us.

    Report Post »  
  • lynnissmart
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:14am

    Support Israel…,,

    Report Post »  
  • Lefty leaning right
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:12am

    What part of Judah do they not get ? The rest of the Arab people pushed the Palestinian people out of the middle east because they did not want them. Why should Israel not have their homeland? Maybe it is time the United Methodists read the Old Testament again !

    Report Post » Lefty leaning right  
  • Carol1955
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:11am

    What is happening in the UMC is interesting. U.S. numbers are falling as African numbers soar. The African churches are quite conservative. The UMC is a global institution and now that is kicking their butts. The leadership is raving liberal, spokesperson Jim Winkler is a gem. However, if the liberal elements don’t like the rulings of the body, they just ignore them. The UMC is one of the strongest liberal lobbies in D.C. We changed churches because we couldn’t stand having our name and number counted for their liberal agenda.

    Report Post »  
    • IMCHRISTIAN
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:51pm

      Carol, I don’t know why you are so bitter about the UMC. Evidently you don’t know everything about the UMC as each member and leadership is free to be in whatever party they want to be associated.

      Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:03am

    WHO WERE those supporting those proposals? Seems like very FEW to me…

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • NC
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:33am

    Here is a perfect example of how the General Board of Society in Washington D.C. and the Jim Wallis crowd, thinks they know better than the parishioners here in the pews.

    There may be some hope for the UMC after all.

    NC (attends but will not join a local UMC)

    Report Post » NC  
  • sawbuck
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:26am

    Despite the failures of the divestment proposals, on Wed., delegates did approve a measure that stand in opposition to Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
    ~~~~~~~~

    What Palestinian Territory..??? They are a bunch of descendants (refugees)from other Arab countries NOT the land of Canaan .. In other words …They have NO CLAIM TO THAT LAND.
    If their ancestors were Canaanites ..They would speak Hebrew ….and NOT “Arabic”
    Lets quit with kicking this “Palestinian Lie” down the road as truth..!

    Report Post » sawbuck  
    • rangerp
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:35am

      To claim you are a Christian, and also opposed to Israeli settlements in Palestinian, shows you to be an ignorant fool who has not studied the Bible. Jump back to Gen 12, and read that part about God blessing those that bless Israel.

      Then jump to the book of Ezekiel, and do a little study of prophecy, where God lets us know that Israel (after being scattered) will come back and form as one stick (one nation, not Israel and Judah).

      You can not be a Christian and be anti Israel.

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • Nasado
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:56am

      While your is factually correct, I do have to point out that we do not technically have claim to America either. Don’t get me wrong, I support Isreal fully, but your argument can be used for almost any group of people. My thoughts are, if those in Palestine stop attacking and calling for the destruction of Isreal, then there would be peace there.

      Report Post »  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:59am

      Rangerp
      What part of my comment gave you the idea that I’m “Not”….Pro-Israel..?
      I said…..“Palestinians”…..Has NO CLAIM to the land….NEVER DID.

      They (Palestinians)claim to be descendants of Canaanites which were there before Moses…Who brought (GODS Chosen People) out of Egypt and settled there…But the Canaanites are NOT the Ancestors of the Palestinians (their claim to the land) and that is incorrect.. It’s a lie perpetrated from the Palestinians to give them property rights to the land before The Jews Inhabited …Israel.
      The Palestinians are NOT related to Canaanites ..Never was.
      That means they have NO CLAIM TO THE LAND and ALL the land belongs to ISRAEL and JEWISH NATION..!

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • progoyim
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:02am

      Israel likes to claim historical rites to the land. do they also lay claim to one of the earliest recorded ethnic cleansing and genocide’s its in the bible

      Report Post »  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:17am

      Progoyim
      When the first Hebrews arrived in Canaan they shared the land but did not intermarry, as it was an interdiction for Avraham’s family to marry the Canaanites. Nevertheless, eleven of the twelve sons of Yakov married Canaanite women (the other son married an Egyptian), and since then, the Tribes of Israel began to mix with the local inhabitants. After the Exodus, when the Israelites conquered the Land, there were some wars between them and the Canaanites throughout the period of the Sofetim (Judges), and were definitively subdued by King David. By that time, most Canaanites were married to Israelites, others voluntarily accepted Torah becoming Israelites, others joined up in the Israelite or Judahite army. Actually, the Canaanites are seldom mentioned during the Kings’ period, usually in reference to their heathen customs introduced among the Israelites, but no longer as a distinguishable people, because they were indeed assimilated into the Israelite nation. When the Assyrians overran the Kingdom of Israel, they did not leave any Canaanite aside, as they had all become Israelites by that time. The same happened when the Babylonians overthrew the Kingdom of Judah.

      Continue…

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:20am

      Continued…

      Therefore, the only people that can trace back a lineage to the ancient Canaanites are the Jews, not the Palestinians, as Canaanites did not exist any longer after the 8th century b.c.e. and they were not annihilated but assimilated into the Jewish people.

      Conclusion:.. The Palestinians cannot claim any descent from the ancient Canaanites – if so, why not to pretend also the Syrian “occupied territories”, namely, Lebanon? Why do they not speak the language of the ancient Canaanites, that was Hebrew? Because they are NOT Canaanites at all!

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • tzion
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:28am

      @Goy
      Are you seriously going to go down that road? The Canaanite nations were pagan city-states that practiced child sacrifice. And they were wiped out through war not mass murder. A war that, by the way, was primarily intended to acquire land and resources, not to eradicate an entire culture. If two nations go to war and one vanquishes the other that’s not a crime or even immoral, that’s just how wars were fought back then.

      Report Post »  
    • rangerp
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:10am

      sawbuck

      I agree with your comments, and was adding. Was not calling you a fool, but directing it to the article itself. Sorry if I offended. We are on the same side here

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:51am

      RangerP
      No harm no foul.
      I figured we had a disconnect somewhere.. I wasn’t offended.
      Sorry if I came off strong ..To much coffee this morning… :)

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • progoyim
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 1:00pm

      According to the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament), when God called forth his people out of slavery in Egypt and back to the land of their forefathers, he directed them to kill all the Canaanite clans who were living in the land (Deut. 7.1-2; 20.16-18). The destruction was to be complete: every man, woman, and child was to be killed. The book of Joshua tells the story of Israel’s carrying out God’s command in city after city throughout Canaan.
      blame it on god bull they just wanted the land not unlike today.if that what fine but dont blame it on god

      Read more: http://www.reasonablefaith.org/slaughter-of-the-canaanites#ixzz1tpJXE24G

      Report Post »  
    • tzion
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 2:38pm

      @goy
      So going to war over limited resources is now genocide? Genocide as it is used in today’s society occurs when one ethnic group begins murdering another ethnic group within the same nation. One could argue that all the black on white violence occurring right now is a prelude to genocide. When the Israelites attacked the Canaanite nation the purpose was to destroy their ideology which was lacking in basic moral standards.

      Report Post »  
    • progoyim
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 3:28pm

      all nations steal resoures call it what it is.dont blame it on god

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:11am

    Support Israel; that is what I will do.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • PATRIOTMAMA
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:09am

    Wow how can you have read the bible and still even consider going against the people of Israel. Anyone who has even read half of the Old Testament can‘t ignore God’s convenant to Abraham and the people of Israel. This is also the church that has openly support homosexual marriage though. I’m not saying all Methodists believe in allowing these things but both are against the bible. I’m glad that enough of them have stood up to this persecution of Israel and Jews alike but come on. The fact that it even was considered enough to bring it to a vote is rediculous. “Let me be clear” the bible is very very specific about being against Israel and Jews. VERY SPECIFIC. I, for one, stand with Israel. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. If we fear Him in a healthy way, we won’t want to be on the opposing side of the people of His Holy Covenant. Not to mention that Israel is getting the raw end of the deal on this issue. They are being unfairly and unjustly blamed and accused of false “atrocities” and demonized so that the rest of the Middle East can destroy them from every angle. At the very least we should stand with them because we are being treated the same by the very same people. They want us ALL destroyed not just Israel. DAH Ppl!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • welloddyfriggindah
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:06am

    I was surprised to find my brother in law, in a denomination, leaning into the Palestinian camp. They’re giving him a long list of arguments describing how prophecies concerning the restoration of Israel have been misinterpreted.
    Frightening, and lukewarm!

    Report Post » welloddyfriggindah  
    • PATRIOTMAMA
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:14am

      Please just tell him to read the bible for himself and then see if he agrees with what they’re saying. Nothing Jesus ever did, cancelled out the Old Testament. Please just pray for him and for all the people that are being deceived by false prophets. Our President included, I believe. The book of Revelations talks about in the last days there will be many false teachers and many will be led astray by them. Just pray for God’s truth to be revealed and brought into light for your brother in law and for the rest of our nation. We really don’t want to be on the wrong side of this arguement. WAY too much at stake.

      Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:43am

      I am totally amazed at the ignorance shown by so called Christians, as to the origins of the religion, it’s connection, or dis-connection to the Old Testament.
      Let me break it down for you….The Old Testament is for the Jews own religion which prophecies the coming of the Messiah. The Jews, do not believe that the Messiah has come yet…They do not believe Christ is the Messiah.
      Christians do believe that Christ is the Messiah, the son of God and the only way to heaven.
      The Jews do not believe that.
      Where is your common ground?
      The only claim to the Old Testament that the Christians have is the co-opting of the Prophecy or the Messiah, then claiming that Christ is that Messiah.
      As an Agnostic I root for Israel, because it is the right thing to do.
      As a Christian, the success of the Jewish religion would be the death of yours.
      So, as you walk around with your hands over your ears, your eyes tightly shut, screaming so silently into the void; a bystander like me wonders at how dangerous it is to have just a little bit of intelligence and no more.
      If you are going to witness for your God, at least know your God.

      Report Post » macpappy  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 7:38am

    Our church doesn’t vote for things. We vote in confirmation every year of the leaders of the church. I have only seen a nay acouple of times in my life. After the meeting they get to meet with the leaders and explain their feelings, and no one gets mad at them. That said, I am glad this group has part of their spine intact. But I wonder if it will crumble.

    Report Post »  
  • ImJusSayin
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 7:23am

    Reason # 372 why I would NEVER get involved with a denominational organization. Too few people running the show for soo many.

    Report Post » ImJusSayin  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:33am

      As far as I remember from history… Methodists were being tarred and feathered for their continued support of England and the Monarchy against the Colonies. Tory, Tory, Tory…

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  

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