Recently, the Presbyterian Church (USA) beat a drum for justice. This brave denomination took the first steps toward removing its monies from companies that profit from the Israeli theft of Palestinian land.

The church will target companies that operate in the occupied territories; that sell products, services or technology to support Israeli settlements; that do business with organizations that rest on a patio of violence against civilians; or that help the construction of the long, dismal, fenced and stone barrier of hate which separates Palestinians from their loved ones.

As is the case with all peoples who install injustice, American Jews and Christian evangelicals bang the pots and pans of opposition. Despite the clanging the Presbyterian Church (USA) made the only decision justice could hug and kiss. It heard the trumpet call of Amos 5:7: "You are doomed," yells the prophet, "you that twist justice and cheat people out of their rights!"

How did the Presbyterian Church (USA) interpret that call? If it keeps its monies in those companies, the Jehovah of justice convicts it. If it withdraws its monies, it has sprayed water on the fire of condemnation.

We applaud the Presbyterian Church (USA). If it were a football team, we would be its loyal fans and echo these words by an insightful storyteller: "The house sleeps and morning rises and cereal waits. And the stomach hurries to digest a just decision."

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Copyright ? 2005 by James Strong

To contact James Strong, please send an email to: linwood_jl@yahoo.com.