Three Canadian Jewish leaders have expressed their “disappointment” to the United Church of Canada (UCC) over a resolution adopted last week at its biennial General Council Convention in Calgary calling on the Canadian government to “insist” that the Palestine Liberation Organization be represented at the Geneva conference when it reconvenes.
In a telegram to Rev. George Tuttle, newly elected Moderator of the UCC, the Jewish leaders stated: “Perhaps members of (the) General Council are unaware that your resolution followed by one day a reaffirmation of the PLO of its charter proclaiming its ultimate aim as the destruction of Israel.” They added that, “In view of this intransigent policy we wonder at General Council’s readiness to impose upon a state the requirement that it sit in council to discuss its future with a group committed to its destruction.”
The telegram was signed by W. Gunther Plaut, president of the Canadian Jewish Congress; Harvey Crestohl, president of B’nai B’rith District 22, and Philip G. Givens, president of the Canadian Zionist Federation.
The UCC, a 52-year-old merger of Methodists, Congregationalists and part of the Presbyterian Church, has previously asked for justice for the “Palestine cause.” The resolution adopted by its General Council was the first time the PLO was mentioned by name. Some observers believe it was inserted to “compensate” the UCC’s former Moderator, Rev. A. C. Forrest, a strong pro-Arab proponent for his election defeat by Tuttle.
There will be no News Bulletins dated Sept. 14 or 15 due to Rosh Hashanah.
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