Divestment in Israel

Christian Century, Dec 28, 2004 by Brian J. Grieves

THE NEWS ITEM about the divestment issue in regard to Israel states that the Episcopal Church "will recommend a 12-month study of whether the U.S. denomination should divest from companies operating in Israel" (Nov. 2). This is misleading; the study, now approved, is not about divestment but about corporate engagement with: 1) companies that contribute to the infrastructure of Israel's ongoing occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and 2) companies that have connections to organizations responsible for violence against Israel.

Corporate dialog and shareholder action at annual company meetings will be the focus and direction of the work, which has been the chosen approach of church investors on a range of topics--beginning with South Africa in 1971. Other concerns addressed embrace workers rights abroad, the environment, equality and equal opportunity, predatory lending and health issues.

Brian J. Grieves

Director, Peace and Justice Ministries,

Episcopal Church, USA,

New York, N.Y.