Canadian Anglicans Cautiously Consider Divestment

The head of the Anglican Church of Canada said his church may go in the direction of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and divest from companies profiting with the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, but warned that the church must "have a balance" overall in making the decision.

The Anglican Church of Canada is one of few North American denominations that are considering placing economic sanctions on Israel in order to end its occupation of disputed territory in the Middle East. The effort, which in essence "divests" stockholdings by the denominations from those companies working to help the occupation and building of the separation/protection barrier between Israel and Palestine, received its inspiration from the nationwide divestment from South Africa a decade ago to end apartheid.

Supporters of divestment say this effort, like the one undertaken in south Africa, will successfully bring "justice" to the middle east by halting the Israeli occupation. However, critics of the divestment say the plan is too narrowly focused on punishing one side of the conflict only. The critics also raise concerns that some may view divestment as being "anti-Israel" and "anti-Semitism."

"There has been concern that some of the rise in anti-Semitism has come from criticism of the Israeli government," said Archbishop Hutchison, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada.

He added that while he is "aware of the importance of standing in solidarity with our minority Christian brothers in the Middle East," he also believes that the issue of imposing economic sanctions, among other acts of pushing the peace process, is "a complex one" that could also have repercussions for inter-faith dialogue.

His comments were made following a Council of General Synod meeting in November.

He also echoed similar comments to the national executive chair of the Canadian Jewish Congress, saying he believed the issue of divestment is "complicated."

Earlier in the year, the Episcopal Church USA (ECUSA) said it will hold off its decision on divestment for one more year, until the end of 2005. During that time, the ECUSA, which is the US counterpart of the Anglican Church of Canada, will establish a task force to consider the dynamics in the decision.

Other Anglican churches in the process of considering divestment include Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Currently, the only denomination that passed a resolution pledging a "phased divestment" strategy to maintain peace in the Middle East is the Presbyterian Church USA.






Pauline J. Chang
Ecumenical Press