Israel Matzav

Presbyterian groups calling for end to divestment policy

Five regional bodies in the Presbyterian Church (USA) are calling for a modification or end to the church's attempt to pull investments from companies working in Israel.

The regional bodies, called presbyteries, have drafted proposals, known as overtures. Each overture differs slightly, but all call for a modification or withdrawal of the divestment policy because it is biased against Israel in favor of the Palestinians.

The moves come almost two years after the Louisville-based denomination started a process of selectively divesting in multinational corporations operating in Israel.

Church officials said they still are negotiating with such companies and will have no position when the recommendations come up at the church's General Assembly in June. That would push any action on the measures to its next assembly in 2008.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:52 PM