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1. Presbyterians un-divesting

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has been accused of being anti-Semitic for singling out Israel in statements and positions regarding human rights. But at its national assembly this year, the church decided it would change its policy of divestment from businesses that operate in Israel to one of investing in "peaceful pursuits."

The Associated Press reports that Jewish groups are satisfied with the action.

David Bernstein of the American Jewish Committee's Washington office, who is observing the assembly, said the new wording "subjects Israel to the same process as every other country in the world. That's what we wanted. Singling out Israel is not the way to approach peace in the Middle East."

The resolution also apologized for "the pain that this has caused" among "many members of the Jewish community and within our Presbyterian communion," reports The New York Times.

2. Pro-life Presbyterians?

The PCUSA also adopted a resolution that "viable unborn babies—those well-developed enough to survive outside the womb if delivered—ought to be preserved and cared for and not aborted." The AP reports that "an amendment to add 'based on the choice of the mother' was defeated."

3. African primates respond

Weblog, who admits ignorance of all things mainline, wonders why the Episcopal Church passed on a resolution that seems to have upset everybody. The resolution, which asked for restraint in consecrating bishops "whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church," does not address same-sex blessings and is not a moratorium, which the rest of the Anglican Communion leadership asked for in the 2003 Windsor Report. The Episcopal News Service says the resolution was an effort to stay in conversation with the rest of the Anglican Communion. But it looks like those in the Global South aren't buying it. Peter Akinola, primate of Nigeria, wrote on behalf of the Primates of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa.

We have observed the commitment shown by your church [ECUSA] to the full participation of people in same gender sexual relationships in civic life, church life, and leadership. We have noted the many affirmations of this throughout the convention. As you know, our churches cannot reconcile this with the teaching on marriage set out in the Holy Scriptures and repeatedly affirmed throughout the Anglican Communion. …

We assure all those Scripturally faithful dioceses and congregations alienated and marginalized within your Provincial structure that we have heard their cries.

4. Daystar tries again

Daystar is renewing its offer to buy KOCE after a judge ruled that the station was illegally sold to an organization that had underbid Daystar. The AP reports that the court said the station should have been sold to Daystar, but now it must be put up for bid again.

5. North Korea: U.S. suppresses religious freedom

"An unnamed spokesman for North Korean's Christian Federation claimed U.S. authorities refused to let North Koreans participate in a meeting of the U.S. Presbyterian Church in Birmingham this week," the AP reports. So, the North Koreans say, the U.S. is suppressing religious freedom. Yeah, if only we Americans had it so good as the North Koreans.

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1. US Church eases gay bishop stance | The US Episcopal Church has agreed to "exercise restraint" in consecrating gay bishops in an effort to prevent its expulsion from the Anglican communion. (BBC)
   
   

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June (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50