WASHINGTON--Methodists gathered from throughout the world are expected to consider a resolution on divestment during a conference that began this week in Ft. Worth.The conference is expected to continue through May 2.
The General Conference of the United Methodist Church, the official legislative body of the denomination, attracts Methodists from Europe, Asia, Africa and the United States.
It is anticipated that the conference will discuss and act on matters related to social challenges faced by the world.
One issue that has generated much debate already and will be considered at the conference in Ft. Worth is corporate divestment from companies profiting from the occupation of Palestine.
The Methodist Federation for Social Action has submitted a resolution to the conference asking the body to use its moral authority and take nonviolent action to support justice, peace and security in both Palestine and Israel.
The federation, established in 1907, is an independent caucus group of Methodist laity and clergy working on issues of justice and peace.
That group wants the conference to develop a “process for responsible and ethical investment.”
The federation calls upon the church to undertake a process of phased, selective divestment from companies that support the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and other violations of human rights.
On April 17, the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society withdrew its resolution to begin the process of divestment from the Caterpillar Corp.
Caterpillar made an agreement to meet with the board to continue dialogue.
“We are pleased that the Caterpillar Corp. is willing to sit down with faith-based groups to discuss its role in Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian land,” Rev. Kathryn Johnson, executive director of the federation, said.
With the withdrawal of the only single-company divestment petition before the conference, the way is clear for Methodist delegates to focus on the major question before them related to divestment.
“Will Methodists continue to profit from the Israeli occupation of Palestine?” is said to be that major question.
Beth Corrie is a Methodist and a cousin of Rachel Corrie (who was killed by a Caterpillar bulldozer in 2003).
“Since the death of my cousin five years ago under the blade of a CAT D-9 bulldozer,” Beth Corrie said, “numerous faith and human rights groups have made it clear to the company that its products are being used in war crimes.”
She said her cousin’s death was “not the first nor the last that was a result of the illegal policy of demolishing civilian homes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”
Rev. Johnson of the federation said her group wants the conference to adopt a broad-based resolution that “sets clear timelines for corporate accountability” for all companies involved in the Palestine occupation.
“Every life is precious,” she said, “and we believe that ending the occupation will help protect Israelis, as well as Palestinians.”
“Waiting four more years to act is not an option,” she said.
The General Conference meets every four years.
