Here is an apology from the Presbyterian church for anti-Semitic remarks made by a Muslim speaker sponsored by a Presbyterian group, speaking at Wooster College in Ohio.
The following statement is made by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, the Office for Interfaith Relations and the Office for the Middle East and Europe of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in response to concerns about a presentation made at the College of Wooster last October. The speaker appeared through a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) program that itinerates individuals involved in peace and justice efforts in other countries to presbyteries, synods, and Presbyterian colleges and seminaries to help Presbyterians understand concerns for peace around the world.
FOR RELEASE, February 10, 2004
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), by action of its General Assembly, has adopted and re-affirmed clear policies abhorring, renouncing and opposing
all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism.Consistent with those policies, the church’s Peacemaking Program, Office for Interfaith Relations and Office for the Middle East and Europe, unequivocally disavow remarks and images reportedly used by a speaker at a
church-sponsored event at the College of Wooster last October. We regret
that some in the audience may have been offended.While the church cannot take responsibility for expressions made by an individual, it categorically rejects harmful attitudes or the use of demeaning language. It is committed to resist and overcome anti-Semitism and all other attitudes, expressions, or actions that deny or defame the full humanity of another.
In this regard, our offices restate the PC(USA)’s long-standing position affirming Israel’s right to exist within legitimate and secure borders; calling for justice and the restoration of dignity and freedom for the Palestinian people; and advocating for an end to the Israeli occupation, a cessation of all forms of violence on all sides, and an urgent return to sanity through negotiation for an honorable and enduring peace in Israel and Palestine.
Sara P. Lisherness
Coordinator
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program
100 Witherspoon Street, Rm. 1625
Louisville, KY 40202-1396
888.728.7228 x5779
slishern@ctr.pcusa.org