A look at selected churches' position on divestment from companies considered to aid or profit from Israeli activities in Palestinian areas.
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CHURCH OF ENGLAND: Governing Synod voted Feb. 5 for ‘morally responsible’ investments. Possible divestment options under review. More than 27 million members.
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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA): Approved policy in 2004 to study possible divestment while engaging in talks with selected companies. Church leaders schedule to meet in June, but no decision to move ahead with divestment expected. About 2.3 million members.
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EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA: Backed plan in August for ‘stewarding financial resources’ to aid peace efforts between Israel and Palestinians, but divestment not mentioned as option. Nearly 5 million members.
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH (U.S.): Recommendation in October rejected divestment in favor of ‘corporate engagement’ and ‘positive investment’ to seek Mideast peace. About 2.3 million members.
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SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES: Endorses ‘academic and cultural’ boycott of Israel. Twenty-six member churches.
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ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH: No Vatican support for divestment. More than 1 billion members.