A stunning document
By Will Spotts, Special to The Layman, May 19, 2008
I am unsure how to react to this. I will confess that up front. I have been a rather vocal critic of “mainline” denominational policies and statements that pertain to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
For me, the primary reason that prompted such criticism has been the manifest bias in denominational materials and the presence of alarming anti-Judaic and anti-Semitic themes among both church and secular activists. This phenomenon is particularly troubling given the church’s historical treatment of the Jewish people.
That is not to say that Israel is somehow exempt from criticism; that is not to say that Palestinians do not have legitimate complaints; that is not to say that the situation could not be far better than it is. I am keenly aware that many people are motivated by a sincere desire to help, by a longing for peace, and out of a concern for justice. I also understand that the denizens of various denominations are often shocked and genuinely hurt when instances of anti-Semitic and anti-Judaic biases are pointed out to them.
Many people hold anti-Arab and anti-Muslim biases that also bear on this situation; but it must be observed that the actions and statements of the “mainline” denominations and of various activists do not reflect those biases. On the other hand, the palpable upsurge in anti-Semitism in the United States, in Europe and in many other parts of the world is reaching worrying proportions and must be confronted. In my opinion, there is NO PLACE in the church for any of these biases – or at least there should be no place for them.
The question, as I see it, is how best to genuinely help in this situation. That cannot be done with simplistic answers; it cannot be done with symbolic actions; it cannot be done with political theater; and it cannot be done where incomplete or biased information is present.
This brings me to the document I have called stunning. The Interfaith Relations Office of the Presbyterian Church (USA) released a paper, “Vigilance against anti-Jewish ideas and bias.” I recommend that everyone concerned with this issue read it in its entirety (it only runs about 3½ pages). [I suggest reading it directly because I have no wish to misrepresent the Interfaith Relations Office. I am, however, going to quote several portions of it here.]
The primary concern of the paper is expressed in the fifth paragraph:
“However, we are aware and do confess that anti-Jewish attitudes can be found among us. Our conversations with Jews in the last several years have renewed our concern to guard against anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish motifs and stereotypes, particularly as these find expression in speech and writing about Israel, the Palestinian people, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and steps toward peace. (emphasis added) Once again, many Presbyterians have become aware that strains of an old anti-Jewish tradition are present in the way we ourselves sometimes speak and in the rhetoric and ideas of some writers that we may read regarding these matters.”
I believe the Interfaith Relations Office has raised a number of significant issues that need to be considered:
- There is an admission of anti-Jewish attitudes within the PCUSA.
- There is an acknowledgement that anti-Jewish theology can be found in connection with PCUSA General Assembly overtures. (Particular attention is paid by way of example to the Presbytery of Chicago’s 2004 overture, “On confronting Christian Zionism.” In its rationale, this overture contains elements of replacement theology, and it draws heavily on writers who use historic Christian, anti-Jewish tropes.)
- The concern is raised that anti-Jewish and anti-Semitic bias undermines legitimate Presbyterian advocacy for peace and justice.
- Presbyterians are urged not to accept overly simplistic caricatures and misrepresentations of Zionism.
- Problematic statements of Palestinian theologians are examined; particular emphasis is placed on certain side effects of the use of liberation theology in the Palestinian context. While this perspective is considered valuable, “It remains [Presbyterians’] responsibility to critique and not accept those statements or ideas within it that are anti-Jewish or anti-Semitic.”
- The complexity of many issues that surround the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is recognized.
- It is acknowledged that the problem of anti-Jewish bias is not confined to the actual statements of Presbyterians, but also encompasses sources used in formulating such statements or recommended to others.
The concluding paragraph offers what I believe to be very sound advice:
“We would do well to examine our own thinking, theology and advocacy to be sure that we do not accept or impart anti-Jewish ideas, but speak truthfully and without bias in our support of justice and peace.”
Let me say that I need to acknowledge this effort of the Interfaith Relations Office because it is a remarkable development. In all bluntness, I had little hope that, in addressing anti-Semitism, anti-Israel and anti-Jewish bias, denominational officials would escape the wagon-circling mentality. I’m a little bit shocked – and very happy to have my expectation disproved. It is a very different thing for ordinary Presbyterians, for members, elders or pastors to raise a concern of this type than it is for an office of the national organization.
It seems to me that in producing this document, the Interfaith Relations Office has endeavored to remain faithful to Presbyterian concerns for peace and justice – while at the same time alerting the church to a very real hazard that needs to be confronted. It was an act of honest and careful self-evaluation that I imagine was the result of a painful process. It was an act of courage to pen something that may well be unpopular because it is not the kind of reflection any of us want to see of ourselves.
It may be that this will help mitigate some of the potential harm of the previously unchecked anti-Jewish bias; it may be that the Interfaith Relations Office has contributed something that might help Presbyterians avoid a grave mistake. It may also be that this will mark the beginning of a new season for the witness of the PCUSA. I commend them for it and offer them my heartfelt appreciation.
Will Spotts is the author of the “A Recovering Presbyterian” blog, on whose site this article originally appeared. It is reprinted here by permission.