United Church of Christ to Divest Over Israeli Treatment of Palestinians

The top legislative body of the United Church of Christ voted Tuesday to divest from companies with business in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. The move is a sign of the growing momentum of a U.S. protest movement against Israeli policy. The denomination's General Synod endorsed the action on a vote of 508-124 during its meeting in Cleveland. Peter Makari of Global Ministries, an agency that is part of the United Church of Christ, said the resolutions reflect the worsening effects of Israeli occupation on Palestinians and the glaring differences in rights and power. Separately, the Episcopal Church, meeting in Salt Lake City, was considering a divestment resolution.