1999 General Synod Resolution: Bringing Justice and Peace to The Middle East
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18. Resolution “Bringing Justice and Peace to The Middle East”
Assistant Moderator Frieberg called on Rev. Susan P. Townsley, Chair of Committee Six, for two pieces of business.
Ms. Townsley directed the delegates to the Resolution “Bringing Justice and Peace to The Middle East” and, on behalf of Committee Six, moved its adoption.
Rev. Sharon K. Prestemon (WIS) shared that just days before General Synod began she returned from a brief time of service/study in Israel/Palestine. She shared observations from her trip and urged passage of this Resolution.
Rev. Eric Kirkegaard (WIS) offered a friendly amendment adding to the first paragraph of the “Be it resolved” the words “non-violent” in the sentence which then would read in part, “to use financial resources in non-violent ways that deter development of Israeli settlements in Palestinian areas.”
The Committee accepted this as a friendly amendment.
Rev. Deanna J. Lewis (KO) spoke as a member of Committee 6 stating the Committee’s commitment to be sure that both the Israelis and Palestinians would be monitored according to this Resolution and that there would be justice and fairness to all parties involved.
Other persons spoke in support of the Resolution.
Rev. William E. Miles (WIS) moved the previous question.
99-GS-34 VOTED: The Twenty-second General Synod votes to close debate.
99-GS-35 VOTED: The Twenty-second General Synod adopts the Resolution “Bringing Justice and Peace to The Middle East.”
Bringing justice and peace to The Middle East
BE IT RESOLVED that the Twenty-second General Synod of the United Church of Christ calls on the Executive and Legislative branches of the United States Government to monitor closely types of aid to the State of Israel and Palestinian areas, to use financial resources in non-violent ways that deter development of Israeli settlements in Palestinian areas, and to use financial resources to promote peace and justice for both Israelis and Palestinians.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Twenty-second General Synod of the United Church of Christ calls upon the Executive and Legislative branches of the United States Government to provide funding to rebuild infrastructure and homes for the Palestinian people.
FINALLY, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Twenty-second General Synod of the United Church of Christ calls upon the covenanted ministries of Justice and Witness, and Wider Church to publish articles regularly in United Church of Christ publications which give balanced reports of events in Israel and Palestinian areas.
Funding for this action will be made in accordance with the overall mandates of the affected agencies and the funds available.
Note: The following resolution, approved by General Synod 25 in Atlanta, should not be considered “final” until the minutes of the General Synod have been reviewed and approved by the Executive Council in October.