The Institute on Religion and Democracy (a group with ties to the Republican Party and funded by Richard Mellon Scaife) is perhaps best known these days for their anti-gay advocacy.
But they are concerned about a host of right-wing issues and will be holding a press conference in Portland this morning asking the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) not to adopt a resolution condemning the security fence being built by the Israeli government to separate the Palestinians and the Israelis. The Disciples are considering such a resolution at their General Assembly being held in Portland this week.
The wall has been condemned by Jewish Voice For Peace, Human Rights Watch, World Council of Churches, and the United Church of Christ.
“Israel has a right and duty to protect its civilians from attack, but it must not use means that entail indiscriminate punishment of entire communities,” said Joe Stork, acting executive director of the Middle East and North Africa division of Human Rights Watch. “Israel’s separation barrier seriously impedes Palestinian access to essentials of civilian life, such as work, education and medical care.”
Human Rights Watch….argues that the barrier imposes arbitrary and excessive restrictions on the freedom of movement of tens of thousands of Palestinians and violates Israel’s obligation under the Geneva Conventions to ensure the welfare of the population under occupation.
The press release issued by IRD announcing the press conference stated that Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams would be one of the speakers. I have confirmed that Commissioner Adams will not be at this press conference.
