VOA慢速英語:美國基督徒考慮對以色列采取行動進行懲罰

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One of America’s oldest Christian groups is holdingleadership meetings this week. The assembly of the Presbyterian ChurchUSA is taking place in Detroit, Michigan.

One proposal under consideration is a plan to end investments withcompanies that do business with Israel. Delegates are set to vote on themeasure this Friday. If approved, the Presbyterian Church would be thelargest religious organization in the U.S. to approve sanctions against Israel.

Beverly Dempsey is the acting head of the Western Presbyterian Church inWashington, D.C. She offers prayers for the Presbyterian leaders meeting inDetroit.

“As the general assembly moves into full swing, there are many issues that dothreaten to tear the PCUSA apart.”

Like other traditional Protestant groups, the Presbyterian Church USA has been losing members. The Church has fewer than two million members. Same-sex marriage and other issues have often divided church goers.

One of those other issues is a proposal to cancel investments in Americancompanies whose products are used by Israel in the occupied territories. Ifthe plan is approved, it would be a major victory for the Boycott Divest andSanctions movement. The movement wants sanctions to punish Israel,similar to those used against South Africa during its white minority rule.

The Presbyterian General Assembly, seen here in a 2012 file photo, will consider a vote to end investments with companies whose products are used by the Israeli government in the Palestinian territories. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

Susan Wilder is with the Presbyterian Israel/Palestine Mission Network. Shesays the proposal is not aimed at reducing or destroying the rights of Israel.

“But we do need to shine a spotlight on Israel’s – on bad policies. You knowwe’re not -- This isn’t about good guys and bad guts, or being against Israel, orwanting to isolate Israel or even punish Israel. This is about wanting to shine aspotlight on actions that are harming everyone.”

John Wimberly is a retired clergyman. He formerly served at the WesternPresbyterian church.

“There is a 2,000 year history of economic sanctions being used by Christiansaimed at Jews, and it’s a bloody and it’s a nasty history, and that is kind of mybottom line opposition is right there.”

John Wimberly says the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movementignores Palestinian attacks on Israel. And he thinks the movement has beenpushed by activists from outside the church.

“This divestment thing has come up ever since 2004 at every generalassembly. And every general assembly, the Presbyterian church, which iskind of a progressive body, has defeated it. So Israel has lots of friends in themainline churches.”

But supporters of Israel fear a vote in support of the proposal could leadsimilar action by other religious groups. That would leave Israel with fewerfriends among more liberal Protestant Christians.