Further to the post below, Methodists Still Targeting Israel...Through Caterpillar, the UMC has posted video from its Pre-General Conference Briefing. Those interested should look for the Friday, 3PM panel, "Divestment, the Middle East and Sudan," or just click here. Though Sudan is in the title, have no fear, that's just a sop, you know who the real target is.

Caterpillar is not at risk (though the Methodist representative from the area of Cat's plant in Illinois is none-too-pleased with the board -- he speaks at around 51:55) -- I doubt whether the UMC selling its stock would affect the price overmuch, but that's not the point. The point of the divesters is to get the UMC to sell its stock and name the reason for the record. That would be mission accomplished. If their investments people were to simply sell the stock in favor of better investments, that would not be good enough. That's why it matters.

You'll want to watch the presentation by Susanne Hoder which starts around 22:40, then try not to lose your chum when the Jewish Voice for Peacers (JVP) start speechifying at the mic and begging the Christians to please, please divest from us, starting with Mark Braverman at about 46:55. In fact, a special session later with Braverman is touted from podium, so apparently he was there to have quite an impact. Take note of his statement, "Politics has failed..." A perfect encapsulation of the anti-democratic left in action.

Fortunately, Rabbi Gary Greenbaum speaks at about 49:50 and makes a very good point, to paraphrase: "There are more people in this country, I have a feeling, who are aware of this meeting happening today who are Jews and are worried about it than are Methodists..."

If you'd like a taste of how the Methodists are educated in the issues and history, you can see this article from last August: Some Methodists Are on a Mission To Demonize Israel. Here's the UMC Adult Studybook. An emailer suggests that those knowledgeable in history pay special attention to the first seven pages of Appendix D.

Here's a short piece from JTA on the conference: Methodists consider divestment.