May 19, 2008

NEW YORK – The American Jewish Committee praised the Presbyterian Church (USA) for its strongly-worded condemnation of anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish language in writings about Israel.

Vigilance against anti-Jewish Ideas and Bias, issued by the church's Interfaith Relations Office, repudiates anti-Semitism in advocacy and writings on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"This statement is tough, thorough and balanced – we warmly welcome it," said Rabbi Gary Greenebaum, AJC's U.S. director of Interreligious Affairs. "No other Mainline Protestant denomination has yet taken such a critical look at its own teachings and how Christian teaching can be horribly misused to demonize Israel."

AJC sent a letter of thanks to the head of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Stated Clerk Reverend Clifton Kirkpatrick.

In the document, the Presbyterian Church (USA) recognized that Christians must be vigilant when couching the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in theological terms. They note that the misuse of liberation theology as regards the conflict can be "troubling in its demonization of Israel and the Jewish people and its echoes of ancient Christian anti-Judaism."

"We are moved by the Presbyterian commitment to fighting anti-Semitism in all of its manifestations," said Greenebaum. "It serves as a wonderful tribute to the value of our ongoing dialogue and perfect way to celebrate Israel's 60th anniversary."

American Jewish Committee