On June 20, the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) approved a measure to divest from three corporations - Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola Solutions. The three were doing business in Israel and profiting from nonpeaceful pursuits through its involvement in the occupation of Palestine.This decision has been welcomed and hailed as prophetic and courageous by some and criticized by others, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  Since then, renewed violence has erupted in Gaza with the death toll rising daily, especially among Palestinian civilians and children, creating a human rights crisis.As a person of faith, I reject violence, terror and war, and deplore the violent actions of the indiscriminate firing of rockets by Hamas and the overwhelming use of force by the Israeli Defense Forces.It is for this reason that I fully support the decision of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to divest from the three companies, as its contribution to a just peace in Israel/Palestine through nonviolent means.

For college, university and seminary students who are . . .

• Minority persons
• Members of a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation within the bounds of the Synod of the Covenant
• In good academic standing

Source of Funds: Annual mission giving to the Synod

Guidelines

• Scholarships are for one year
• May apply for a second year

• Demonstrated financial need

from BSM's staff, discuss new and open ideas of transformation and mission, and ways for your congregation to take part. BSM is an innovative ministry emphasizing hospitable outreach, civic involvement, and creative expression.