While I knew about the meeting between PC(USA) leaders and Hezbollah, I hadn't remembered, or didn't know, what they were quoted as saying. This, while Presbyterian and Anglican churches divest of Israeli assets.
I Googled it today and found this Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterian_Church_%28USA%29_Hezbollah_controversyThe Presbyterian Church (USA) Hezbollah controversy began following a series of statements made by church representatives in 2004.
Background
On May 30, 2003, Hezbollah was found to be responsible for the 1983 bombing in Beirut, Lebanon which killed 241 United States Marines, in Peterson v. Islamic Republic of Iran.[1][2] The US State Department defines Hezbollah (also known as Hizballah, "Party of God") as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO).[3]
In October 2004, the Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA) Advisory Committee on Social Wellness Policy toured the Middle East in order to listen to local Christians, ecumenical partners, and political leaders in Lebanon, the Palestinian National Authority, Israel, Egypt and Jordan. While in Lebanon, the delegation met with members of Hezbollah, which became a cause of controversy.
[edit] Controversy
Ronald H. Stone, John Witherspoon Professor of Christian Ethics at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, attracted negative media attention during the tour after being quoted as saying, "
We treasure the precious words of Hezbollah and your expression of goodwill toward the American people. Also we praise your initiative for dialogue and mutual understanding. We cherish these statements that bring us closer to you. As an elder of our church, I'd like to say that according to my recent experience, relations and conversations with Islamic leaders are a lot easier than dealings and dialogue with Jewish leaders."[4]
A member of the delegation, Reverend Nile Harper stated that "The occupation by Israel in the West Bank and Gaza must end because it is oppressive and destructive for the Palestinian people".[5]
