TURN LEFT AT THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Dateline: Home Study

Turn Left at the Presbyterian Church by Jim Roberts, WSJ, Thursday 15 June 2006, p. A14

Jim Roberts is the chairman of the Committee to End Divestment Now, which means the liberal, elite leadership of the PCUSA will automatically dismiss his column without ever reading it. That would be a shame because he makes some good points.

First, the divestment plan that passed in 2004 was done with little to no discussion. Now that there is a strong movement to rescind that decision, there is a call from the liberals to “study” the issue. I hate to say it, but why it is so important to study the issue now but it wasn’t two years ago? But, if they want to study then study the issue; let’s rescind the decision, return to status quo ante, and then decide whether it needs to be implemented.

Second, it seems clear the call for divestment is clearly not what the majority of those in the pews want. I have not counted but a quick perusal of overtures before the General Assembly shows the number against divestment far outnumber those that call for divestment. That may, just may, have something to do with the ridiculously large loss of members. It may just be me (certainly the PCUSA leadership does not agree with me) but I think people tend join organizations, including organized religion, they share common views and beliefs with, and they leave those where their personal beliefs become out of sync with those of the organization.

Third, divestment is just wrong. It harms everyone, good and bad. Apartheid collapsed but how many people suffered from boycotts before that happened? Did the boycotts truly bring about change or was it simply time for a change that was brought about by international pressure?

I hope the GA will end this divestment debate and perhaps save the church in the process. But I have zero faith in the leadership to do what is right.


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