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The World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee reminded the Council's member churches "with investment funds, that they have an opportunity to use those funds responsibly in support of peaceful solutions" to the Israel/Palestine conflict.

The WCC governing body encouraged the Council's member churches "to give serious consideration to economic measures that are equitable, transparent and non-violent" as a new way to work for peace, by looking at ways to not participate economically in illegal activities related to the Israeli occupation. In that sense, the committee affirmed "economic pressure, appropriately and openly applied," as a "means of action".

As an example, the WCC governing body mentions the "process of phased, selective divestment from multinational corporations involved in the occupation" now being implemented by the Presbyterian Church (USA). "This action is commendable in both method and manner, [and] uses criteria rooted in faith."

The recommendation, approved one day before the end of the 15-22 February meeting of the Council's governing body in Geneva, is contained in a minute addressed to WCC member churches. In it, the committee also notes that "in the conflict in Israel and Palestine there is a renewal of hope, although there is not yet a reduction of the threats that separate the parties".

The document points out that "illegal activities in occupied territory continue as if a viable peace for both peoples is not a possibility", and that multinational corporations have been involved in a number of "violations of international law" within that territory.

The committee's 150 members affirm: "The concern here is to abide by law as the foundation for a just peace." "We are not blind to facts and must not be complicit in them even unwittingly."

While highlighting the "growing witness and impact of church engagement that includes both Israelis and Palestinians", including initiatives like the WCC-led Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), the committee also "urges the establishment of more and wider avenues of engagement between Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities pursuing peace".

As a frame for its recommendation, the WCC governing body recalls both its 1992 statement that "criticism of the policies of the Israeli government is not in itself anti-Jewish", and its 1969 call for "effective international guarantees for the political independence and territorial integrity of all nations in the area, including Israel". It also mentions its 2004 recognition of Israel's "serious and legitimate security concerns".

The full text of the WCC central committee statement is available at:

www.oikoumene.org > Central Committee > Documents

Free high resolution pictures and additional information about the WCC central committee meeting are available at:

www.oikoumene.org > Central Committee