Presbyterian Church in the U.S. General Assembly Condemns Israeli Actions in Gaza as Genocide Crime

The President of the Christian National Assembly in the Holy Land, Dmitry Dilliani, has highlighted the recent decision by the Presbyterian Church of the United States (PCUSA) as a significant moment in the global church’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The PCUSA General Assembly, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, adopted a resolution describing the actions of the Israeli occupying power in Gaza as a “genocide crime,” with the vote passing 454 to 15. Dilliani viewed this decision as a milestone, placing the crimes in Gaza within a legal and moral framework and offering the Palestinian cause broad institutional support within American society.

The resolution reflects the PCUSA’s conviction that the situation in Gaza contradicts the essence of Christian faith, the values of justice, and the inviolability of human life. Dilliani emphasized that the vote carried implications beyond the ecclesiastical sphere, influencing political and moral discourse. The PCUSA, one of the largest Protestant communities in the United States, has a long history of advocating for Palestinian rights and has increasingly adopted a rights-based approach to the conflict, focusing on social justice, anti-settlement efforts, and human rights support.

The PCUSA’s General Assembly operates under a democratic system, granting its members the authority to take official positions on international issues. Over the past decades, the denomination has consistently taken a critical stance toward Israeli policies, aligning itself with the rights of the Palestinian people. This resolution marks a continuation and intensification of that commitment, embedding it within the church’s religious and educational institutions.

Dilliani noted that the resolution expands the moral stance of the American ecclesiastical community, challenging churches that continue to support Israel to confront the political and humanitarian consequences of such support. He stressed that the new position transcends symbolic statements, moving toward practical policy and investment steps. The General Assembly has directed the Church’s Public Certificate Office to work toward stopping the sale of American weapons to Israel and has encouraged members to boycott products from Israeli companies linked to violations of international law.

The PCUSA’s decision underscores the growing influence of religious institutions in shaping public opinion and policy on global conflicts. By framing the situation in Gaza through a moral and legal lens, the denomination seeks to align its actions with its theological principles and advocate for justice and accountability. This approach reflects a broader trend among Reformed and Presbyterian bodies to engage with contemporary issues through a lens of faith, ethics, and social responsibility.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)