Understanding United Methodist Divestment

 Next ]

The Kairos Response web site includes the most current information on United Methodist Divestment. A brief summary is below.
In the spring of 2012, United Methodists will vote on a measure to put actions behind their words to help end Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land. This vote will take place at the denomination’s General Conference April 24-May 5, in Tampa, Florida. The General Conference sets policy for the denomination.

An explanation of this measure with PHOTOS is at

http://youtu.be/PJtRU5DxbzI

 

For many years, United Methodist resolutions have urged an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian land and a sharing of the city of Jerusalem, which is holy to three faiths. Yet United Methodist boards and agencies hold stock in companies which sustain that occupation. Christians in the Holy Land have called for an end to this contradiction. It is time for the church to align its actions with its words.  We need to stop investing in companies whose goods and services enable the occupation to continue.

The measure is supported by many people of different faiths, including rabbis, Holocaust survivors and Israelis. For their letters of support, see https://www.kairosresponse.org/Endorsement_Statements.html and http://www.unitedmethodistdivestment.org/LetterSupportIsraelis.htm

For more information, please visit the web site of United Methodist Kairos Response at www.kairosresponse.org, or click the Kairos Response logo below. You may read and endorse the resolution by clicking

Kairos logo endorse

 

This site was prepared before divestment was considered at the UMC General Conference in 2008. It contains important background information, including a detailed update of 2008 General Conference Action, which overwhelmingly rejected a ban on the use of divestment, while not approving specific calls for its use. It also contains careful rebuttals to arguments made by divestment opponents, questions and answers about divestment and letters of support from Jewish individuals and organizations around the world.

 

Report on United Methodist Corporate Research Trip to the West Bank, 2010

United Methodist 2010 Conference Actions

2008 General Conference Action

Introduction 

Proposals before the General Conference 2008 

Questions and answers about divestment

Response to Criticism About Divestment Proposals

Does Israel practice apartheid?

Israel/Palestine Study Guide for United Methodists 

What companies would be involved? 

How would this affect the General Board's fiduciary responsibilities to investors? 

How would this affect United Methodist relationships with Jewish groups? 

Letters of Support from Holocaust Survivors and Israelis

Statements of Support from Jewish Groups

Summary for General Conference Delegates 2008

 


"Tear Down That Wall", Used with permission from the artist, Sue Ann Harkey.