The result of the decision, could see the Church of England on a collision course with Jewish leaders, but will mainly target the US earth-moving equipment company Caterpillar, which has continued to supply vehicles used by Israel to demolish Palestinian homes.
The move was first called for in Summer 2005, when members of the worldwide Communion gathered, following protests from Israeli and Jewish groups.
Currently, the Anglican Church invests about £2.5 million of its £900 million share portfolio in Caterpillar, and has attempted to negotiate with the company regarding its activities.
Although Caterpillar insist that it has not provided any vehicles directly to Israel, their machines have been sold to the US military, and these have then been sold on.Caterpillar may be a company being used for dreadful purposes across the world, but the problem is not Caterpillar. The problem is the situation in the Middle East and the government of Israel.
Bishop of Chelmsford, Rev John Gladwin
The debate on the issue has been extremely passionate, and on the first day of its meeting in London, the General Synod, which is the equivalent to the Church’s Parliament, heard denunciations of Israel's use of the machines from one of its own bishops and from the Anglican bishop of Jerusalem, who is Palestinian, whose letter was read out.
The move may also anger senior clerics such as the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, who has argued that Israel needs the support of the Church.
But speakers in the Synod debate argued intensely that the Church must be seen to be investing its money for the common good, and not merely for the best financial return.
The Chairman of Christian Aid, the Bishop of Chelmsford, Rev John Gladwin told the gathering that the problem in the Middle East was the government of Israel rather than Caterpillar. However, he also said that it was vital that the Church should invest only in organisations that behave with the ethics in line with the Church.
Rev Gladwin said, “Caterpillar may be a company being used for dreadful purposes across the world, but the problem is not Caterpillar. The problem is the situation in the Middle East and the government of Israel.”
The Rev Simon Butler, from Southwark, London, issued a warning to Caterpillar that "in our understanding of sin, acts have consequences".
However, the Bishop of St Albans, Rev Christopher Herbert, Chairman of the Council of Christians and Jews, suggested that the debate was unbalanced. He said there was a “belief and hope” in the Jewish community that Christians would understand their perspective in such debates, but the Synod had not reflected the complexity of the situation.
