United Methodists in the U.S. are proposing targeted divestment from companies that support the government of Sudan and those involved with the “illegal destruction” of Palestinian property. The two resolutions will be debated next spring at the church’s policy-making meeting. “The Sudanese government is susceptible to well-placed economic pressure because of its dependence upon foreign investment,” reads the Sudan proposal. Careful emphasis is given to assure that targeted investment will not hurt those in need.
Regarding Israel, Steve Sprecher, chair of the committee that wrote the resolutions, told the United Methodist News Service, “The United Methodist Church has a long history of unwavering support for Israel’s right to exist. We have also long supported human rights for Palestinians.” The 20 companies targeted include Blockbuster, Alliant Tech Systems, Caterpillar, Cement Roadstone Holdings, ITT Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Motorola, PetroChina, Petronas, Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Weatherford International, and Volvo.
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