Commentary
Westminster: A liberationist launching pad
By Parker T. Williamson, The Layman, July 3, 2010
MINNEAPOLIS – Location, location, and location: That mantra voices not only real estate priorities, but those of ecclesiastical lobbyists as well. One would be hard pressed to imagine a more strategic location for the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s anti-Israel lobby than Westminster Presbyterian Church, “a telling presence in the city.” 
Occupying a full city block, a short stroll from the Minneapolis Convention Center and on the Nicollet Mall where commissioners gather to eat, drink and converse, this historic stone structure claims prime real estate.
Westminster and its senior minister Tim Hart-Anderson are unapologetic advocates for progressive causes. Anchored on the church steps, a sculpture depicting two men and two women, freed from their underwear and presumably all other encumbrances, symbolizes the church’s penchant for liberation.
It is here that the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, a lobbying group that opposes the denomination’s standards of sexual behavior, has often gathered for strategy sessions. And it is here that the Israel/Palestine Mission Network, proponent of proposals that demonize Israel while giving scant notice to Palestinian assaults against it, has found a General Assembly launching pad.
Food, fun and a rub down
You can’t miss it! As the PCUSA congregation with geographic proximity to the Assembly site and leader in the committee on local arrangements, Westminster had its four-color promotional brochure slipped into every commissioner and observer registration packet. Inside its pages one finds a cornucopia of goodies designed to draw people into the building.
The church’s “Calvin Café” offers breakfast and lunch to commissioners for $10, a steal compared to nearby hotel and restaurant prices.
For weary Presbyterians, Westminster offers “A Ministry of Touch,” a 10-minute neck, shoulder and back massage. The first 200 commissioners to sign up get their massage for free. All others pay a mere $10. The only restriction is that – unlike the statue on the church steps – commissioners are required to keep their clothes on.
On Friday night, Westminster offered a free concert by “Monroe Crossing,” a blue grass band. Later in the week “Cantus,” a male a cappella ensemble will perform.
Promoting the Palestinian cause
Those who enter Westminster’s portals will get more than free food, fun and a rub down. They’re also going to get a heavy dose of Palestinian politics. This is the place where Jeff Halper, identified as “an Israeli peacemaker and founder of the Israeli committee against House Demolition,” will answer the question, “Is it Really Apartheid?” an apparent reference to a Palestinian document called “Kairos,” that equates Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to South Africa’s policy of Apartheid against blacks.
Here also will be the site of a luncheon where Mitri Raheb and Allam Jarr will offer “Kairos Palestine 2009 and the Palestinian Civil Society’s Call for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions.”
On Tuesday, Raheb and Halper will review, sell and sign their latest books: Bethlehem Besieged and An Israeli in Palestine. Alan Hart will review his book Zionism: The Real Enemy of the Jews.
Hospitality unveiled
“The image we use to describe Westminster is an open door,” says Rev. Hart-Anderson in his letter to the General Assembly. A review of the church’s program for welcoming commissioners into its worldview suggests that Westminster’s image may, in fact, be the naked truth.