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Saturday, June 21, 2014

Words Make a Difference

Our friend Edward Dunn of Boise Presbytery has a blog about the connections within the Presbyterian church, including the opportunities to discern the best words to express God's intent.

The closest vote of the assembly was on 'divestment' of investments in three companies. These companies make some of the tools that the government of Israel uses to 'protect from violence' or 'oppress' residents.  Of over 600 votes cast, the difference was 7. Had 4 commissioners voted 'no' instead of 'yes' the result would have been different.

The argument was over 'divestment.'  We aren't going to divest of anything.

PC(USA) investments are managed by the Board of Pensions and Foundation. The Board is actually and legally responsible not to GA but to the active and retired members of the pension plan.

The Foundaton is responsible for preserving and growing the permanent investments.

Each body follows GA advice when buying stock but has to make decisions to sell based on prudent financial decisions.

Neither body will sell stock based on GA action. The only result is to not make future investments in these companies.

The'divestment' that may incite emotions probably should be called 'no  investment in.' People and institutions making decisions to buy are seldom criticized for not investing in any particular company among the many thousands of possible choices.

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