wfn.org | [UCC News] Thomas calls for 'disciplined speech, behavior' that honors Jewish community

["J. Bennett Guess" <GuessB@ucc.org>]

In response to remarks attributed to the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.,  in excerpts from an interview published on June 10 in the Newport News, Va. , Daily Press, the Rev. John H. Thomas, General Minister and President of t he United Church of Christ, issued the following statement:

"The General Synod of the United Church of Christ has consistently called o n its members to speak and act in ways that honor God's enduring covenant w ith the Jewish people, that nurture deep relationships with the Jewish comm unity, and that recognize how careless readings of our sacred texts, our ow n use of language, and the perpetuation of negative stereotypes can lend su pport to persistent anti-Semitism in our culture.  Years of rich and though tful Jewish-Christian dialogue locally, regionally, and nationally has taug ht us much about how we speak to and about one another with respect even in  the midst of disagreement.  I celebrate how far we have come in overcoming  the deep prejudices and hurtful rhetoric of the past and call the church t o on-going vigilance against anything that diminishes or caricatures our Je wish sisters and brothers.  It is true that the General Synod and I have so metimes differed sharply with some Jewish organizations over the policies o f the state of Israel, its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, and the ro ute of the Separation Barrier even as we share a broad vision of secure and  recognized states for both Palestinians and Israelis living side by side i n peace.  But that important prophetic witness, no matter how difficult for  our Jewish partners, will be effective only within the context of discipli ned speech and behavior that honors the broader Jewish community."

Contact: The Rev. Gregg Brekke, UCC news director, at 216-736-2177 or brekk eg@ucc.org<mailto:brekkeg@ucc.org