Front Page

Respectful Engagement Is the Way Forward, Niebuhr Tells Covenant Network – the Key Is Dialogue

July 5, 2010, MINNEAPOLIS – "Yes, he is one of the Niebuhr Niebuhrs," said Deborah Block, co-moderator of the Covenant Network, as she introduced Gustav Niebuhr, featured speaker at the CovNet Luncheon Monday as part of the 219th General Assembly (2010). Professor of Religion and the Media at Syracuse University and a renowned religion journalist, Niebuhr was chosen to address the group for his contribution to boundary-breaking dialogue. Niebuhr began his talk, "Tolerance is a Floor, Not a Ceiling," by recalling the time he was covering two advocacy groups on opposite sides of a divisive issue at a previous General Assembly. "What was remarkable was not that they disagreed with each other, but that both displayed a noteworthy calm – neither spoke unpleasantly about the other. Each group accorded to the other respect."

Migration: Churches as Bridges over Fear and Prejudices

July 7, 2010 – In times of exploding budget deficits and unemployment figures, migrants are often used as scapegoats for all the ailings and failings of society. In such a context it is the task of the church to uphold the human rights and dignity of all, the members of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Global Ecumenical Network on Migration have insisted during their annual meeting. "We believe that churches have the mandate and the biblical mission to foster the creation of a society where all peoples of the planet enjoy the gifts of God, created for all, in the spirit of love, justice and equality," Seta Hadeshian reminded fellow members of the global network, which met in Geneva, Switzerland from 24-30 June.

Churches and Schools Protecting Thousands of Youngsters
From Human Trafficking During World Cup

July 9, 2010 – Thousands of children in South Africa have been protected from human traffickers during the Football World Cup thanks to holiday clubs set up by the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. The Holiday Club programme, developed by HOPE Africa* in co-operation with Scripture Union and The Ultimate Goal (TUG), has seen churches and schools using their facilities to provide children with a safe space to go and activities to keep them occupied. The clubs have been very popular with children during their long school holiday, extended to cover the duration of the World Cup. been so important."

Peacemaking Committee Recommends U.S. Cease Combat in Afghanistan
Marks First-Time Call for Peace in That Country since War Began in 2001

July 6, 2010, MINNEAPOLIS – The 219th General Assembly Peacemaking and International Issues Committee voted 49-2 on Monday to recommend that the Assembly call on the U.S. government to end combat operations in Afghanistan. The PC(USA) has made no statement calling for peace in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001. The action asks that all combat operations cease "except those to protect Coalition troops remaining, Afghani security force troops and humanitarian efforts." It also recommends expanded humanitarian aid and the creation of a consensus building process that includes all stakeholders

SAN JOAQUIN: Diocese Sues for Return of Visalia Property

July 8, 2010 – The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin filed a lawsuit July 6 for return of property and assets held by St. Paul's Anglican Church, a group of former Episcopalians in Visalia who have affiliated with another denomination, according to a statement released by the diocese. Similar cases are currently pending against members of other Central California congregations, including: St. Francis Anglican Church in Turlock; St. Michael's Anglican Church in Ridgecrest; St. John's Church, Porterville; St. James Anglican Church in Sonora; Holy Redeemer, Delano, and St. Columba's Church in Fresno.

ENGLAND: General Synod Set for Lengthy Debate on Women Bishops Legislation

July 9, 2010 – The Church of England may be days away from passing legislation that could enable women to become bishops. General Synod, the church's main legislative body, is meeting July 9-13 in York and at least two full days will be devoted to debating and amending an 11-clause measure that deals with the legal requirements for enabling women bishops and outlines provisions for those who will not accept their episcopal leadership. A measure is a piece of legislation that, once passed by the General Synod, requires approval by the U.K. Parliament.

Muslim Leaders Honor United Methodists

July 8, 2010 – ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Rev. Amos Oladipo bounded toward the stage with a big smile on his face to accept an uncommon award for United Methodists. The nation's largest organization of Muslims, drawing 20,000 people to its annual convention, on July 4 bestowed its "Interfaith Unity Award" to the Northern Illinois Annual (regional) Conference. The praise extended beyond the conference as leaders of the Islamic Society of North America called the United Methodists "remarkable." Muslims dedicated an entire page of the program to pay tribute to United Methodists.

Presbyterian General Assembly

Committee on Church Growth Discusses Role of Union Churches, Increasing Diversity

July 5, 2010, MINNEAPOLIS – "Lucy in the sky with diamonds" echoed down the hall from Committee 15 early Monday morning at the 219th General Assembly (2010). Presbyterians passing by peaked into the room and a few said, "I wish I was in that group!" The 55 members gathered in the room to consider overtures and reports regarding church growth, Christian education and the Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program, Inc. From their initial meeting, they committed to "traveling light."

Feeding Tummies and Souls
Westminster Welcomes Participants to Relax, Refresh at Calvin Café

July 4, 2010 – "Westminster wants to be a church home for those attending the Assembly," said Melanie McCall, the congregation's coordinator for fellowship, events and communications, "and one thing that you can get at home is good food." Because a small portion of the $10 breakfast cost will benefit the Groveland Emergency Food Shelf – an assistance program serving people in south Minneapolis near downtown – McCall hopes that people will come "to feed both their tummies and their souls while helping to fill someone else's tummy."

New PCT Committee Focuses on Clergy's Physical, Emotional Health

July 4, 2010 – PCT General Assembly held its first meeting on creating a clergy care committee on June 24, 2010. Led by PCT General Assembly Moderator Rev. Lai Hsien-chang, committee members first agreed to encourage all PCT pastors to attend Anselm Gruen's upcoming nationwide tour scheduled October 1825 so that pastors would feel refreshed and strengthened physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The committee also decided to ask all presbyteries to offer counseling services to pastors and distribute surveys among churches to search for counseling professionals.

Language in Overture on Violence Against Pregnant Women Spurs Debate
Debate over Semantics Detracts from Intention, One Delegate Says

July 6, 2010, MINNEAPOLIS – Amid discussion that ranged from amicable to acrimonious on Monday, the Health Issues Committee of the 219th General Assembly (2010) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) worked through its business of HIV testing, violence against pregnant women, coerced abortions and being an HIV- and AIDS-competent denomination. The majority of the debate centered on the overture, "Making a Statement Regarding Violence against Pregnant Women." Young Adult Advisory Delegate Andrew Spencer of the San Jose Presbytery summed it up: "We keep going back and forth with one and two sentences … we're losing focus of the reason we're here, and that's to make a decision on this motion."

Social Justice Committee Focuses on Aid for Wetlands Education Center
‘Nothing Is Being Done in Louisiana,' Was Plea of One Attendee

July 6, 2010, MINNEAPOLIS – A recommendation for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to establish financial support for a coastal wetlands education center in south Louisiana was one of several items approved Monday by the 219th General Assembly Committee on Social Justice Issues: the Exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the World. The measure, sponsored by South Louisiana Presbytery, passed unanimously after a lengthy discussion on the exact amount of funding being requested. A figure of $111,700 was included in the recommendation.

Heidelberg Catechism and Belhar Confession to Go to Full Assembly

July 6, 2010, MINNEAPOLIS – The 55 members of the 219th General Assembly Committee on Theological Issues and Institutions gathered Monday for an overview of their work: considering the adoption of two confessional statements; approving the staff, trustees, and covenants for theological institutions and retreat centers; and amending sections of the Directory for Worship. During the daylong session, representatives from the Heidelberg Catechism Special Committee – the Rev. Neal Presa, chair (Middlesex Presbyterian Church) and the Rev. Dawn DeVries (professor of theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary) – gave background information and reasons for a new translation of the 16-century catechism.

Social Media Joins the Church: Community Can Happen Online, Says 2008 GA Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow

July 6, 2010, MINNEAPOLIS – "Just because you start a Facebook page doesn't mean young people will come to your church," outgoing General Assembly Moderator the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow told Presbyterians attending the GA Media Luncheon on Monday. The lunch was cosponsored by Presbyterian Media Mission and the Church Restoration Group. Speaking on "The Changing Landscape of Youth and Media," Reyes-Chow shared lessons he has learned as a parent, pastor and pioneer in the field of doing ministry through social media. The 41-year-old pastor of Mission Bay Community Church in San Francisco co-hosts a weekly podcast and uses Facebook, blogging and Twitter to interact with members of his congregation.

Special Committee Report on Civil Union, Marriage Issues Approved 47-8
Now Goes to Full Assembly for Consideration

July 6, 2010, MINNEAPOLIS – The 219th General Assembly Committee on Civil Union and Marriage Issues voted 47-8-2 Monday to approve a report that urges Presbyterians to further study the issues and stay in covenant with each other while they do so. The report of the Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage, signed by 10 of its 13 members, passed the Assembly committee with minor amendments. The committee rejected a minority report submitted by three members of the special committee. The minority report, which stated that "only marriage between a man and a woman is ordained by God," was defeated 40-15, with one abstention.

Report on Civil Union and Marriage among the Conversation Mix
Hard to Come to Agreement with Such Different Assumptions

July 3, 2010 – The Rev. Jim Szeyller's voice choked as he recalled the year-long work of the special committee he moderated, which studied issues of civil unions and Christian marriage in a report to the 219th General Assembly. "What we found early on was we had to find a new way to talk and be in relationship with each other," he said during a Riverside Conversation Saturday. "Part of that is we cannot continue retreating to theological bunkers and lob hand grenades." He continued, "We have got to find some way to gather around the table of Jesus Christ that binds us together and work out these issues."

Women of Faith Award Given to Four Recipients
Recognized for Passion, Dedication and Faithfulness

July 4, 2010 – Four women were honored Sunday morning for their passion, dedication and faithfulness at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Women of Faith Awards breakfast at the 219th General Assembly (2010). Elder Joyce Uyeda, the Rev. Elizabeth Knott, elder Elona Street-Stewart and the Rev. Margaret Howland were recognized for their years of ministry in areas ranging from youth ministry to working for justice for Palestinians. Uyeda is active with Presbyterian Women of Parkview Presbyterian Church in Sacramento, Calif., and moderator of the Ethic Concerns Consultation.

Outgoing Moderator Reminds Denomination of Need to Involve Younger Members
Opening Worship Infused with Color, Song, Tradition

July 4, 2010 – "All creatures of our God and King … lift up your voice and with us sing … ‘Alleluia! Alleluia!'" And so thousands of Presbyterians were called to worship Sunday morning at the 219th General Assembly (2010). With bright colors, liturgical dancers and tall Lion King-esque puppets – literally, all creatures worshiped. Kites, streamers and banners waved through the air as missionaries and pastors processed into the large hall. Music in worship spanned the gamut of styles and cultures: Hispanic, negro spiritual call-and-response, contemporary "praise" songs, and old favorites were all included. Congregants were encouraged to dance as the spirit moved, to sing and shout to the Lord.

General News

New Music Embraces Diversity of Cultures

July 7, 2010, OSLO, Norway – Since his breakthrough as a composer more than 30 years ago, Lasse Thoresen has been searching for a musical language that brings the world's diverse cultures together. Now, one of his innovative vocal works is being acclaimed for the similarities it draws between ancient and modern, as well as Scandinavian folk music and sounds more associated with the Middle East. The piece, titled Opus 42, has won a prestigious music award. The Nordic Council Music Prize was searching for a work "in which all involved play their own part."

i.UCC Online Community Relocates, ‘Feed Your Spirit' in the Works

July 2, 2010 – The United Church of Christ's online faith community known as i.UCC announced it is closing its virtual doors July 6 and moving to a new space on the UCC.org website. This new section, called "Feed Your Spirit," is currently under construction, though much loved online spaces such as the Daily Devotional, Weekly Seeds and the Prayer Chapel are already operational in the new site. "As we look back together on the past three years, I think we can be proud of our ground-breaking ministry on i.UCC," said Andy Lang, minister for web community, in an email to i.UCC's moderators, known as i.guides. "In many ways, [i.UCC] paved the way for ‘Feed Your Spirit'– an important new direction for UCC.org."

New LCMS Missionaries Are Young, Enthusiastic

July 8, 2010, RIVER FOREST, Ill. – Although the number of missionaries beginning service with LCMS World Mission this year is about the same as last year, most of them look a little different. They're younger. And that's not a bad thing, according to Ron Scherch, director of recruitment services with the Synod's mission board. "We're really pleased that young people who are just completing their college education are choosing to do missionary service as a first-time call or just as a first-time experience before they return to follow a professional or commercial career – whatever their life goal is," Scherch said.

United Methodist Camp Hosts Military Kids

July 7, 2010 – As families in the United States celebrated Independence Day with picnics and fireworks, staff at Camp Aldersgate, a United Methodist retreat center, made final preparations for some special campers – children whose parents are deployed in military service. The free camp in Greig, N.Y., is called Operation Purple, and the Aldersgate site is one of four United Methodist facilities across the connection hosting camps for military children, ages 8 to 17. Similar programs are also held at Camp Rock Fish, Parkton, N.C.; Camp Tekoa, Hendersonville, N.C.; and Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center, Ellensburg, Wash.

Ecumenical News

Jesuit Calls on Catholic and Orthodox Churches to Restore Communion

July 7, 2010 – Robert F. Taft, S.J., advocates ‘ecumenical scholarship and theology' to foster closeness between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches should own up to their past misdeeds and work to restore communion, according to a Jesuit liturgical expert. Robert F. Taft, S.J., a former professor of Eastern liturgy at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, said that the rift between the churches was sustained primarily by offensive actions-not theological differences.

New Reformed Church Body Brings ‘Richness' to Ecumenism, Says LWF General Secretary
Opportunities for Further Collaboration on Issue of Justification by Faith

July 5, 2010, GENEVA – The newly-formed World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) brings "richness" to the ecumenical movement, said Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, general secretary of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), who was present in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, in June when Reformed churches from around the world united in the new organization. Noko said he hoped that the WCRC would find a way of "associating itself" with the discussions involving Lutherans, Roman Catholics, Methodists and others on the issue of justification by faith, a key issue of the 16th century Protestant Reformation.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Greets New Roman Catholic Christian Unity Leader

July 6, 2010, CHICAGO – The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), extended congratulations and best wishes to the newly appointed president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Bishop Kurt Koch of Switzerland. Pope Benedict XVI's appointment of Koch was announced July 1. Koch is the bishop emeritus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Basel. He was bishop there from 1995 to 2010. "We welcomed the announcement of your appointment by the Holy Father," Hanson wrote in a July 1 letter to Koch.

Editorial Page

Do Not Discard Job Guarantees

July 9, 2010 – You've heard the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Too often today, we also believe, "If it is broke, throw it away" – when that may not be the best thing to do. Sometimes we experience "referred pain" – pain in a part of our body that is not where the actual problem lies. Likewise, problems within a system can appear in no relationship to the source of the problem. There has been a lot of conversation over the last few years about whether or not guaranteed appointment for elders has outlived its usefulness. I had been singing that song, but I am starting to change my tune.

Spanish News

CMI Denuncia Ejecuciones Extrajudiciales De Ministros Laicos Filipinos

5 julio 2010, GINEBRA, Suiza – El secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), pastor Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, ha denunciado las ejecuciones extrajudiciales de Benjamin Bayles y Jovelito Agustin, ministros laicos de la Iglesia Filipina Independiente. En una carta al presidente electo Benigno Aquino III, de fecha 29 de junio, Tveit instó "al gobierno de Filipinas a cumplir su compromiso con los instrumentos internacionales de derechos humanos y poner fin a las ejecuciones y a la cultura de impunidad, juzgando a los autores y haciendo justicia a las víctimas de violaciones de derechos humanos" en el país asiático. Aquino fue investido como presidente el 30 de junio.

Dramaturgo Afirma Que Un Golpe De Estado Constitucional Acaba De Consolidarse

7 julio 2010, PUERTO RICO – En una nota difundida por el dramaturgo puertorriqueño Roberto Ramos-Perea, a través del sitio de Facebook, el mismo plantea que un golpe de Estado constitucional acaba de consolidarse en este país, "Tras un año de que el actual gobierno del Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP, que busca la anexión de Puerto Rico a los Estados Unidos), intentara y lograra, exitosamente, la toma de varias instituciones que sostienen al gobierno democrático de Puerto Rico en un ambiente de hostilidad seguido por temerarias acciones retadoras de la paz pública que han desembocado en acciones violentas y agresivas del actual gobierno."

Emite Arzobispado De La Habana Nota De Prensa Luego
De Encuentro Con Raúl Castro Y Moratinos

8 julio 2010, LA HABANA, Cuba – La Iglesia católica emitió un comunicado, luego de que el presidente Raúl Castro recibiera, este miércoles, al cardenal Jaime Ortega Alamino, arzobispo de La Habana, junto al ministro de Asuntos Exteriores y de Cooperación de España, Miguel Ángel Moratinos y su homólogo cubano Bruno Rodríguez.

Iglesia Luterana Denuncia Persecución Penal Y
Criminalización Campesina Ante Su Defensa Del Agua

7 julio 2010, CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA – Acciones de solidaridad con el fin de neutralizar la persecución penal en contra de 11 campesinos de la aldea La Trementina , en Zacapa, solicitó el pastor luterano José Pilar Álvarez Cabrera, quien reveló que las denuncias fueron presentadas a las autoridades correspondientes por una persona que ni siquiera es de la región, tras la acción pacífica de unas 150 personas de diferentes comunidades que, el pasado 23 de junio, interceptaron dos camiones que transportaban madera, proveniente de la Montaña de las Granadillas, fuente de recarga hídrica para esta región nororiental.

Migración: Iglesias Pueden Ser Puentes Sobre Miedos Y Prejuicios

8 julio 2010 – Cuando los déficits presupuestarios y los índices de desempleo explotan, los migrantes suelen convertirse en chivos expiatorios de los problemas y fracasos de la sociedad. En un contexto de este tipo, la tarea de la iglesia es preservar los derechos humanos y la dignidad de todos, sostienen miembros de una red ecuménica mundial que trabaja con migrantes.

Medios De Comunicación Cristianos No Alivian Violencia

8 julio 2010, SAN SALVADOR – Según la opinión de diversos líderes religiosos, en El Salvador los medios de comunicación cristianos no alivian la violencia. "Cómo pastor…como obispo, me siento avergonzado ante tanta violencia…nuestros mensajes no han entrado en la conciencia de quienes forman las maras, ni de aquellos que también ocasionan violencia estructural," dijo, consternado, el obispo Medardo Gómez de la Iglesia Luterana Salvadoreña.

Líderes Religiosos Se Oponen a Lectura De La Biblia En Las Escuelas

5 julio 2010, SAN SALVADOR – Diferentes líderes religiosos se han pronunciado en contra de la lectura de la Biblia en las escuelas, como lo establece una recién aprobada ley del Parlamento de este país que pretende, mediante esta práctica, prevenir desde ese ámbito la violencia y el pandillismo que aquí se sufre, advirtiendo que ello pudiera llevar a una lucha religiosa y a la división de las iglesias.

Moratinos Se Reúne Con Arzobispo De La Habana

7 julio 2010, LA HABANA, Cuba – Mientras las agencias de prensa en la Isla asumen como un espaldarazo a las mediaciones de la Iglesia católica frente al gobierno de Raúl Castro, la nota publicada en el sitio Palabra Nueva fue muy escueta, aludiendo solamente a "un encuentro amistoso entre Miguel Ángel Moratinos, ministro de Asuntos Exteriores de España" y el cardenal Jaime Ortega, arzobispo de La Habana. También Prensa Latina (PL), reseña la tercera visita del canciller español (las dos anteriores fueron en el 2007 y2009), calificándola de "viaje de trabajo," a fin de mantener conversaciones oficiales con su homólogo cubano Bruno Rodríguez.

Una Española Es La Última Víctima De La Cruzada De Marruecos Contra Los Evangélicos

5 julio 2010, BARCELONA, España – Sara Domene, barcelonesa, de 31 años, es la última víctima de la cruzada emprendida desde el pasado 8 de marzo por el Gobierno de Marruecos contra los cristianos evangélicos y que, desde entonces, ha expulsado a más de un centenar de cooperantes acusados de ser "una grave amenaza para el orden público," por sus supuestas acciones de "proselitismo," una acusación que todos los expulsados – incluida Sara – niegan y que en ningún caso ha sido demostrada en un juicio.

Religious Liberty News

GEORGIA: Appeals Court Upholds Property Ruling

July 9, 2010 – The Georgia Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court ruling that the real property and other assets of Christ Church Episcopal in Savannah are held in trust for the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia and the Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Georgia and Christ Church Episcopal originally filed a lawsuit after some clergy and members of the parish voted to align with the Anglican Church of the Province of Uganda in September 2007 but refused to vacate the building and relinquish control over other church assets. The appeals court's July 8 ruling upheld an Oct. 27, 2009, ruling by Chatham County Court Judge Michael Karpf, which said that "a trust over the property exists in favor of the national church and the Diocese of Georgia."

National News

Churches Mourn Dead in Boat Accident

July 9, 2010 – United Methodists in suburban Philadelphia joined Hungarian Christians in grief and prayer after two members of a visiting youth group died in a tour boat accident. Authorities on July 9 recovered the bodies of 16-year-old Dora Schwendtner and 20-year-old Szabolcs Prem, two members of a cultural-exchange program with the youth group of Marshallton United Methodist Church in West Chester, Pa. Two days earlier, seven youth and leaders from the Marshallton church hosted a group of 15 Hungarians on an amphibious sightseeing boat on the Delaware River. The Ride the Ducks vehicle stalled and an oncoming barge slammed into the craft, throwing all 37 aboard into the river. All but Schwendtner and Prem were rescued.

International News

God, Church Beat Cram School in Helping Teen Excel in Entrance Exam

July 4, 2010 – Many Christian parents in Taiwan agonize over whether they should send their kids to cram schools or church small group meetings during weekends – especially when there's a time conflict. This year, Chang Yuan-cheng, first-place finisher in the Technological & Vocational Education Test and Nei-shin Presbyterian Church member, has a compelling testimony to make on this dilemma: In his three years of high school, he never went to a cram school, never skipped a church gathering to study for a test, simply went with the flow of his school, and landed in first place overall.

HAITI: Many Small Successes Six Months into Recovery

July 9, 2010 PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Humanitarian groups such as Church World Service are the first to acknowledge that, six months after the devastating Jan. 12 Haiti earthquake, the road to recovery will be long and difficult. "We are all frustrated by the apparent lack of speedy recovery for Haiti," said Aaron Tate, the Haiti earthquake response coordinator for Church World Service, in anticipation of the half-year anniversary of the quake, which falls on July 12. Tate, based in Port-au-Prince, noted that there "were a lot of dreams early on that this was an opportunity to build a ‘new Haiti' better than the old Haiti." "But the reality is that with such devastation, it is an incredible effort just to rebuild at all," he said. Still, on a smaller scale, "you do see successes."

KENYA: Anglican Church Wants Constitution Vote Postponed

July 9, 2010, NAIROBI – The Anglican Church of Kenya has called on the East African nation's government to reschedule a referendum on a proposed constitution, set for August 4, in the interests of peace in the country. The church's bishops, led by Archbishop Eluid Wabukala, cautioned that Kenya is at a crossroads and risks falling apart if things continue as they are. "Given the mood of the nation, we see postponement of the referendum with a view to building a consensus is, in the long term, in the best interest of the nation," Wabukala told journalists after the church's synod meeting in Nairobi on July 8. Fear, anxiety, confusion, suspicion and apathy have gripped the nation before the vote, according to the church leader.

Middle East News

Committee Recommends Denouncing Caterpillar for Actions in Middle East
Also Votes to Continue Commitment to Support Withdrawals of Troops, Contractors from Iraq

July 6, 2010, MINNEAPOLIS – The 219th Presbyterian General Assembly Middle East Peacemaking Issues Committee voted to send to the full Assembly a report from the Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) committee, which recommends the denouncement of actions by Peoria, Ill.-based Caterpillar Inc. "On the basis of Christian principles and as a matter of social witness, the 219th General Assembly (2010) strongly denounces Caterpillar's continued profit-making from non-peaceful uses of a number of its products," MRTI said in its report to the committee on its engagement with corporations involved in Israel, Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. "We call upon Caterpillar to carefully review its involvement in obstacles to a just and lasting peace in Israel-Palestine, and to take affirmative steps to end its complicity in the violation of human rights," the report continues.