Both place GAMC-endorsed comments on overtures to this summer’s General Assembly (GA) related to the Israel-Palestine issue. (One overture deals with views of Palestine Christians; the other with “Declaring Israel policy ‘apartheid’”)

(Editor’s Note: Following this article is a brief description with links detailing the work of the GAMC.)

The Presbyterian Church (USA)’s General Assembly Mission Council (GAMC) has added its commentary to the contentious Israel-Palestine debate.

On May 14, the same day it announced layoffs in its national office due to decreased giving, the GAMC approved two controversial actions items from its Justice Committee.

Both place GAMC-endorsed comments on overtures to this summer’s General Assembly (GA) related to the Israel-Palestine issue. (One overture deals with views of Palestine Christians; the other with “Declaring Israel policy ‘apartheid’”)

The first action, which was approved by voice vote, lifts up the “Kairos Palestine” document as an advocacy tool for the GA.

The comment encourages Presbyterians to study it, and takes note of its use in the “Breaking Down Walls” report on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“The document reflects a theological, spiritual and missiological stance, and reaches out from their profound chronic pain and their tenacious affirmation of love,” the approved comment said. “It communicates the truth they live, the hope they breathe and the faith that sustains them.”

Critics of Kairos Palestine, which was written by Palestinian Christians, claim it denies any connection between Biblical covenants and Israel, and places blame for the conflict on Israel.

Read More: http://www.layman.org/News.aspx?article=27009

Editor’s Note: Understanding the PCUSA GAMC. For our PCA readers, picture one Council (power of a Commission) which handles the work of Mission to the World, Mission to North America, Christian Education, Reformed University Fellowship, Ridge Haven, the budget and stewardship work of the Administrative Committee, and you add to that additional responsibilities of guiding the areas of denomination-wide vocational ministry and advocating for social justice. All of this done under the core values of C.A.R.E (Collaborative, Accountable, Responsible, and Excellent).

Membership on this council is as follows: A total of 48 elected membersof the General Assembly Council (39 voting members; nine non-voting delegates), who represent synods, presbyteries, and the church at-large, each serve one six-year term, with the exception of the present moderator of the General Assembly (one 2-year term), the past moderator of the General Assembly (one 2-year term), the moderator of Presbyterian Women (one 3-year term), ecumenical advisory members (one 2-year term, eligible for two additional terms), and stewardship and audit committee at-large members (one 2-year term, eligible for two additional terms).

For more details, visit the Council’s website: http://www.pcusa.org/gamc/about.htm

[Editor’s note: The original URLs (links) referenced in this article are no longer valid, so the links have been removed.]