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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    news article

    Missionaries respond to UMKR press release

    January 25, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Last week, the Upper New York Conference posted a press release, which announced the decision by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The United Methodist Church to direct Wespath Investment Management to divest from the two Israeli banks that it held in its portfolios and further, to declare the five largest Israeli banks off limits for investment. In response to this news, United Methodist missionaries who have served in the Holy Land have issued an additional statement. Read it below.

    A statement from all the living United Methodist missionaries who've served in the Holy Land

    Jan. 14, 2016

    As past and present United Methodist missionaries in the Holy Land, we affirm non-violent means of addressing the many injustices we’ve seen during our years of service. While there are transgressions on all sides, we believe that the illegal occupation of Palestinian land is the root cause and source of the conflict. We are therefore encouraged by the recent action of United Methodist fund managers to disassociate from certain Israeli banks and hope they will continue this trend by removing from our portfolios companies and institutions that profit from the occupation. Such decisions will ultimately contribute toward the end of hostilities and reverse the cycle of violence in Israel/Palestine.

    Yours in Christian Service,

    Rev. Alex and Brenda Awad
    Rev. Kristen Brown 
    Rev. Bob and Peggy Hannum 
    Janet Lahr Lewis 
    Bob May 
    Rev. Peter Miano 
    Rev. Sandy Olewine 
    Rev. Romeo Del Rosario 
    Tina Whitehead

    Note: The Awads are General Board of Global Ministries’ missionaries. They visited the Upper New York Conference in 2015 to share their story. Click here to read more and watch a video about Awads’ missionary service.

    TAGGED / Communications / Connectional Ministries


    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."