CCAR Statement Welcoming Actions of Episcopalian and Mennonite Church Bodies

July 3, 2015

The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) is cheered by the resounding defeat of an anti-Israel divestment initiative by voice vote in the American Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops and by the tabling of a similar motion at the Mennonite Church U.S.A.’s Convention. In contrast to contemptible initiatives by the United Church of Christ earlier this week and by the Presbyterian Church (USA) last summer — both of which chose confrontation over dialogue by joining the global, anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement — our Episcopalian and Mennonite friends have spoken out clearly for peace, fairness, and continued dialogue.

As the CCAR resolved in 2005, BDS initiatives like the ones defeated by Episcopal Bishops and tabled by Mennonite Delegates “are more likely to hinder rather than advance the peace process…[and] seek to delegitimize the very existence of the State of Israel.”

Reform rabbis and the communities we serve have long cherished deep and meaningful ties with Episcopalian Bishops, Priests, and laity, as with Mennonite colleagues and their congregations. Countless causes of justice and peace  unite us with our Episcopalian and Mennonite brothers and sisters in faith, not the least of them being love for the State of Israel and concern for the plight of the Palestinian people. We look forward to continued dialogue and common cause with our Episcopalian and Mennonite friends.

Rabbi Denise L. Eger                                     Rabbi Steven A. Fox
President                                                      Chief Executive

Central Conference of American Rabbis