The Presbyterian Church (USA) (http://www/pcusa.org) has a history of conducting extensive and thoughtful studies on issues of social and theological relevance which it believes will have an impact on the church, the nation and the world. Over the years such papers have been produced on topics ranging from care for the elderly to homosexuality to right-to-life issues including abortion and euthanasia.  In 2008, such a study was commissioned. A committee was named by the General Assembly to "prepare a comprehensive study, with recommendations, that is focused on Israel/Palestine within the complex context of the Middle East," and then to report back to the gathered body in 2010. ^[1]

The Middle East Study Committee completed its work and prepared a study paper, "Breaking Down the Walls," which was presented at the General Assembly which concluded last week in Minneapolis.^[2]

Such papers presented to the Presbyterian Church (USA) are not binding upon its members. Since 1788, Presbyterians have affirmed that "God alone is Lord of the conscience...Therefore we consider the rights of private judgment, in all matters that respect religion, as universal and unalienable."^[3]   In that spirit, members of the denomination are invited to be informed by such studies and engaged with them in dialogue, perhaps even led by them into new courses of action, but are not to be bound by them in their beliefs and actions. To hold any such study as binding would be to place that study on a theological par with Scripture, a notion which to Presbyterians is untenable.

Last week in Minneapolis the Presbyterian Church (USA) unanimously approved the study, with a series of modifications.  It rejects divestment and unambiguously recognizes Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation within secure and internationally recognized borders.  It also lifts up the often- neglected voice of Palestinian Christians, emphasizing the hope of liberation, non-violence, love of enemy and reconciliation.  

Because of the controversy which has swirled around this particular study, we in the Presbyteries of Santa Fe and Sierra Blanca wish to share the following beliefs and commitments.

As Stated Clerk and Regional Presbyter for the Presbyteries of Santa Fe and Sierra Blanca, here in New Mexico, I value our relationship with the New Mexico Jewish community, which dates back to the establishment of the first Presbyterian Church here in the 19th Century. We have a committed history of inter-faith dialogue and working together to assist vulnerable individuals across our state. With this longstanding relationship in mind, I have asked Sam Sokolove, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation, to join me in issuing this statement:

Together, we affirm our historically close relationship and commitment to continuing our ongoing dialogue on important issues for us as Americans, New Mexicans and as faith-communities.  This report will not negatively impact local, inter-faith relationships.

We also recognize the sufferings of the Palestinian people. The conditions that they live in are often deplorable and must be ameliorated. Economic hardship, including unemployment and hunger, is endemic and leads to desperation. The Palestinian people must be able to return to a place of normalcy and healing. We call for a two-state solution where both peoples can live in peace and stability.

The Jewish people have an eternal connection to the land of Israel. This is immutable. While New Mexico’s Jewish community --like the American Jewish community as a whole -- is in no way monolithic, we recognize that most Jews today support the Jewish State. Thus, we reject the agenda of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement which seeks to equate Israeli policies with Apartheid-era tactics. These comparisons are unfair and do not create an environment conducive to seeking peace. While we often question Israeli policies, we affirm the right of the Jewish State to exist, and reject those who call for its de-legitimization and destruction.

Furthermore, we are particularly distressed by the deteriorating condition of Christian communities in the Middle East, and seek both Christian and Jewish advocates to help protect these vulnerable minority populations throughout the Muslim world.

Despite conflicts in the Middle East, today the Presbyterian and Jewish communities in New Mexico affirm that we will continue to work towards greater understanding and continued friendship. We urge the government of Israel and its Palestinian counterparts to move hastily towards a lasting and just peace agreement, and we intend to work toward that justice in our own communities in New Mexico. We pray for the day when God's peace will reign throughout the Middle East for people of all faiths, when the prophecy of Isaiah will be fulfilled:"they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." (Isaiah 2:4, NRSV)