Despite being rebuffed by their own members at their 2006 General Assembly, leaders in the Presbyterian Church USA continue to push their anti-Israel propaganda. From CAMERA:
A nine-page document titled “Palestinian Christians in the Middle East – Study Resources for Children and Youth” embodies the same distorted moral narrative PC(USA) leaders and staffers were broadcasting before the church’s 2004 General Assembly passed a resolution calling on the church to initiate a process of “phased, selective divestment” from Israel.
The theme of the resources is “Walls or Bridges?”
The resource also suggests teachers and youth advisors obtain the September/October 2004 issue of Church & Society titled “Wall of Security, A Barrier to Peace,” which provides extensive detail about the impact of the security barrier on Palestinians. Out of more than 100 pages of text, the magazine included approximately two paragraphs about the impact of Palestinian terror attacks that preceded the barrier’s construction. And like a lot of mainline commentary about Israel’s security measures, it is filled with distortions and omissions that lead the reader to believe the barrier is something other than a passive structure designed to prevent violence.
For example, Victor Makari, the PC(USA)’s area coordinator for the Middle East wrote an article that falsely suggests the fence near Bethlehem will electrocute anyone who touches it:
“Walking right up to an electrified portion of the barrier at Bethlehem (see photo, page1), one is immediately seized by a sense of desperation when confronted with a red warning sign – in Hebrew, Arabic and English – that reads (with some variation): “MORTAL DANGER – Military Zone, Any Person Who Passes or Damages [the Arabic reads, …. Touches] the Fence [the Arabic reads, … the Wall] Endangers His Life.” (Church and Society, September/October 2004)
By using the word “electrified” Makari gives Sunday school teachers and youth leaders (many of whom will not know that the fence is equipped with electronic detection devices) every reason to believe Israel is zapping or worse, electrocuting innocent children who dare touch the barrier. How else are readers who know little about the barrier to interpret Makari's writing?
At some point, Presbyterian leaders will learn that they'll make more progress by just being honest.
Honesty from the leaders of the PC(USA)?
Our PC(USA) leaders would never revert to honesty! That would get most of them fired and/or alienate 3/4ths of our congregations--with whom they share no convictions.
Sarcasm aside, it is a sham that our national staffers claim to be working for us when they do so much to subvert the clear will of the church that pays their bills.
I guess that's why so many don't give to the national office...
Posted by: Toby Brown | June 06, 2007 at 03:41 PM
The Presb.Church USA is a liberal political organization not a church. Its leaders have turned its back on Jesus Christ and his followers. It will fade into the ash heap of history
Posted by: kc5tg | March 29, 2008 at 11:48 AM
The Presb.Church USA is a liberal political organization not a church. Its leaders have turned its back on Jesus Christ and his followers. It will fade into the ash heap of history
Posted by: kc5tg | March 29, 2008 at 11:49 AM