Clergy and Educators

CCJU Annual Lecture in Memory of Hal Lustig
Remarks by the Rev. Blair Moffett

Presented at the Center for Christian-Jewish Under-standing of Sacred Heart University (www.ccju.org), Fairfield, CT, May 3, 2005.

In 2004 the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) took two actions that have roused the Jewish Community and caused widespread discussion within the Presbyterian Church. One had to do with Avodat Yisrael, a new church development by the Presbytery of Phila-delphia. The other proposed to initiate phased selective divestment in multinational corporations operating in Israel.

Before I say anything "presbyterian," I want to acknowl-edge the pain I have been hearing from the Jewish community:

I have come to understand with new depth the emo-tional attachment to the State of Israel on the part of American Jews. I always knew that there was identifica-tion and support. But I now recognize the visceral connection that makes any question of the State of Israel feel like an attack.

I hear the Jewish perception of unbalanced and unfair treatment. It feels to Jews as though they have been singled out for punishment.

My Jewish friends chafe at being scolded by outsiders. They resent what feels to them like arrogance and ig-norance on the part of the Presbyterians.

This list is not exhaustive, but before I say anything else, I want you to know that I have been listening.

Now let me offer some clarity on the actions of the GA.

Avodat Yisrael
Overtures came from four presbyteries expressing con-cern about the church development project in Philadelphia. The GA mandated a study "to examine and strengthen the relationship between Christians and Jews and the implications of this relationship for our evangel-ism and new church development." Stated Clerk Cliff Kirkpatrick has written: "The focus of this action is to re-examine our theological understanding of Christian-Jewish relationship and to discern whether this particular form of outreach contradicts that understanding or vio-lates our intention to do evangelism in a spirit of respect, openness, and honesty." It is important to understand that this action came to the Assembly in the form of a protest. The ensuing debate will bring us to new sensitivity in our evangelistic programs.

Phased selective divestment in multinational corporations operating in Israel
The GA called for an end to the construction of the "separation barrier," seeing it as a continuing provoca-tion and impediment to the peace for which we still hope.

At the same time, the GA has again called on Pal-estinians to cease terrorist attacks against Israel. Terrorism is immoral and unacceptable. "Acts of hate and terror inflicted on innocent children and youth, women and men of Israel and the larger Jewish community must be unequivocally condemned and vehemently abhorred."

The GA voted to initiate a phased selective divestment in multinational corporations operating in Israel in direct connection to the occupation and the construction of the barrier.

Nowhere do I get the sense that the PCUSA is trying to punish the State of Israel or companies that do business with the State of Israel. Rather, this action is intended to be a witness to our concern for peace and a state-ment that we do not choose to profit from business that seems to us to stand in the way of peace.

I would point out two realities regarding this action: First, it was taken while Mr. Arafat was still alive. Much has happened in the short time since last July. And second, the process of divestment is a cautious and deliberate one that requires much discussion all along the way. It will be a long time before any stock is sold.

My chief hope tonight is to represent the concern, the care, the hope that lie behind the GA action.

Informed by the same texts, we share a covenantal obligation to "bring good news to the oppressed" (Isa 61:1f.) to "let justice roll down like waters" (Amos 5:24). We stand with you under the judgment of our God.

The PCUSA is on record as being unequivocally commit-ted to the sovereignty, security and prosperity of the State of Israel. It has taken us a long time to get to this point; and I must sadly confess that Presbyterians have been, at times, complicit in prejudice and discrimination. But I confidently claim the family connection: We are cousins, at least, in the faith. We may disagree, but we are of one flesh and bone. There is no Jewish body com-parable to the GA to reciprocate the covenantal bond. So I appeal to you who are of the Jewish community to make this a mutual commitment to good will and shared understanding.

We Presbyterians have historic ties to Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East. Not all Palestinians are Muslims. Christians have lived in this land for 2000 years. While Jews may have relatives in Israel, Christians have family connections in the refugee camps and Gaza and the West Bank. They, too, are flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone.

So we have loyalties on both sides of the line. We do not have the luxury of rejoicing over practices that pro-duce a "win" for one side and a "loss" for the other. We cannot be dismayed at the death of Israelis while dis-missing the death of Palestinians. In fact, we are in pain for all who suffer -- for Israelis who live in fear of suicide bombers as well as for Palestinians who stand by help-lessly as homes and olive trees are destroyed.

Going forward, these are my hopes:

That my Jewish friends and I will come to a new level of trust and respect that allows us to deepen our relation-ship as we work and pray for peace.

That the Presbyterian Church will be a creative partner with Palestinian Christians and with Jews in the work of reconciliation.

[Note: Following the presentation and discussion, Pastor Moffett and Rabbi Arian agreed to look for a project of Israeli-Palestinian collaboration and to offer it to our communities for support.]

Click here to read the presentation
by Rabbi Charles Arian.

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