By Ryan Jones
Oct 14, 2005
The Episcopal Church would like just as much as their Presbyterian brothers to see the Jews removed from their biblically-mandated homeland, but has been advised against the course of divestment chosen by the latter.
Earlier this month, the church's Social Responsibility in Investments committee issued a report to the Executive Council recommending ?corporate engagement? in an effort to effect ?positive changes in Israeli government policy? leading to the birth of another Arab Muslim state centered on Judea and Samaria, the God-given heartland of the Jewish people.
The plan would see the Episcopal Church pressuring companies in which it has investments to adopt ?socially responsible? practices when dealing with the Jewish state.
?The goal is for selected companies to change behavior resulting in a more hopeful climate for peace,? the SRI report stated. ?If the church simply divests nothing positive has happened.?
What the Word of God states, however, is that supporting the division of the Land of Israel is the course of action that will lead to no positive development for those involved.
And I will enter into judgment with [all nations in the Valley of Jehoshaphat] on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land. - Joel 3:2
The book of Genesis records the Almighty's deeding of what the Episcopalians called in their report ?occupied Palestinian land? as an everlasting possession to Jacob and his descendants. (Genesis 48:4).
If the Episcopal Church adopts the recommended policies, however, it will look to go further than simply freeing Judea and Samaria from Jewish control.
The report calls on the church to ?affirm the principle of the right of return for every Palestinian.?
The so-called ?right of return? is an unprecedented Arab demand that Israel allow the few thousands of surviving Arab refugees from the 1948 war and their millions of descendants to flood the country.
Israelis from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion, as it would demographically annihilate the Jewish state overnight.
The Episcopalians' support for this demand reveals an un-biblical desire to see a reversal of the rebirth of Israel foretold by the prophets.
?I will bring back the captives of My people Israel... I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,? says the LORD your God. - Amos 9:15