Evangelical Lutherans Oppose Israeli Security

Just the other day the Evangelical Lutheran church declined to approve the ordination of gay clergy. The vote was very close.

Today the denomination decided to condemn Israel for building a fence in Gaza to provide for their security.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America denounced the security barrier Israel is building along the West Bank, saying Saturday that Israeli policy throughout the territories has brought "extreme hardship" to Palestinians.

The statement, called "Peace Not Walls: Stand for Justice in the Holy Land," is part of an advocacy plan for Mideast peace that delegates to a churchwide assembly adopted on a 668-269 vote.

It was approved at a time of heightened tension between Protestants and Jews.

Several protestant groups have angered Jews by protesting construction of the barrier, and some Christian denominations have considered divestment from companies that profit from Israeli control of the Palestinian territories.

The new ELCA strategy doesn't mention divestment, but it urges the denomination to move toward "stewarding financial resources — both U.S. tax dollars and private funds — in ways that support the quest for a just peace in the Holy Land." Lutheran leaders insist it is not an endorsement of economic pressure against Israel.

To the ELCA - what about the "extreme hardship" that Palestinian suicide bombers have brought to theiIsraelili victims? Will there be a vote condemning the actions of the bombers?

The name of the denomination is "evangelical", so why don't all you good Lutherans worrying about evangelizing instead of politicizing.

By the way, when will you be voting to condemn the UN? Due to fears of a terrorist attack in New York, the UN is building.....wait for it.....a security fence! Where is your sympathy for the poor New Yorkers who will face "extreme hardships" because of the UN's fence?