Category Archives: Presbyterian Church USA

It’s Still The Occupation, Stupid

by James M. Wall Bill and Hillary Clinton swept into the White House in 1992 on the back of their campaign strategist, James Carville (right), a wise-cracking political operative from Louisiana. “It’s the economy, stupid” was Carville’s greatest contribution to the first Clinton campaign victory. It is … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Israel, Middle East, Palestinians, Politics and Elections, Presbyterian Church USA, Religious Faith, United Methodist Church | 15 Comments

UCC Says No to Occupation, Votes 80% to Divest

by James M. Wall The United Church of Christ (UCC) General Synod has voted overwhelmingly in favor of resolutions that require UCC church funds to be divested from companies with business in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. The UCC General Synod vote was … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in Episcopal Church, Middle East, Netanyahu, Presbyterian Church USA | 9 Comments

“Dahiya” Author Eisenkott Named Next IDF Chief

by James M. Wall Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this week that on February 15, 2015, Major General Gadi Eisenkott (right) will be sworn in as Chief of Staff of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). General Eisenkott is well-known in Israel … Continue reading

Posted in Gaza, Hillary Clinton, Israel, Media, Middle East, Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, Obama, Palestinians, Presbyterian Church USA, Religious Faith, War | 6 Comments

Israel “Defends” Itself By “Mowing the Grass”

By James M. Wall Once every two years or so, depending on the U.S. and Israeli strategic and political calendars, Israel, the fourth largest military power in the world, descends on Gaza to “mow the grass”. That obscene phrase, used … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, Obama, Presbyterian Church USA, Religious Faith | 6 Comments

Palestinian Boy Burned to Death

by James M. Wall The headline for Jodi Rudoren’s July 5 New York Times story captures the ugly report in all of its appalling harshness. “Autopsy Suggests Palestinian Teenager Was Burned to Death After Abduction” The picture at right, from the New York … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Middle East Politics, Presbyterian Church USA, United Methodist Church | 9 Comments

PCUSA Tries Again to Divest From Occupation

by James M. Wall The Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA) is holding its biennial national General Assembly this week in Detroit, Michigan (June 14-21). A number of overtures (resolutions) will be debated and voted on during the Assembly by 654 commissioners (elected representatives). One overture … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Presbyterian Church USA, United Methodist Church | 7 Comments

Searching for Justice In Church and On Campus

by James M. Wall In less than two weeks, elected representatives of the Presbyterian Church USA, will gather in Detroit, Michigan, June 14-21, for their biennial General Assembly. Meeting in solemn assembly, they will debate and vote, again, on how best … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East Politics, Politics in Religion, Presbyterian Church USA | 4 Comments

“Zionism Unsettled”: Neither False Nor Misguided

by James M. Wall The battle has begun over Zionism Unsettled. The Christian Century opened round one by publishing an attack on Zionism Unsettled, a study guide developed for the study of Zionism, a secular ideology formed in the 19th century, which has … Continue reading

Posted in Human Rights, Middle East, Middle East Politics, Politics in Religion, Presbyterian Church USA, Religion and politics | 10 Comments

The U.S. Cannot Resuscitate What Never Lived

by James M. Wall The game must go on. John Kerry performs his negotiator role. Benjamin Netanyahu goes through his role as the leader of an “endangered” state. Mahmoud Abbas? Well, he (at right) is just sitting by at the peace table, with … Continue reading

Posted in John Kerry, Middle East, Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, Presbyterian Church USA, Religious Faith, United Methodist Church | 7 Comments

“Lest We Forget” The Day Rachel Corrie Died

by James M. Wall Rachel Corrie was killed March 16, 2003, by an Israeli soldier who crushed her to death with an American-built Caterpillar bulldozer. Eleven years later, March 16, 2014, on the anniversary of her death, Rachel Corrie (right) will be remembered … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Middle East Politics, Presbyterian Church USA, Religious Faith | 7 Comments