In Brief
In Brief

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Church Modifies Divestment Policy

Under intense pressure from church members and Jewish groups, the Presbyterian Church (USA) has modified its controversial position calling for "phased, selective divestment" in companies involved in the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

While church leaders said divestment -- withdrawing church funds -- remains an option of "last resort," Wednesday's vote shifts the church's focus toward negotiation with companies rather than an all-out financial boycott.

The 500 commissioners, or delegates, meeting in Birmingham, said church funds could be invested "in only peaceful pursuits" and ordered the church's investments committee to continue dialogue with multinational firms operating in Israel and Palestinian territories.

The statement also apologized for the "hurt and misunderstanding" felt by Jewish groups, which have been longtime allies with the Presbyterians on many social issues, and appealed for "a new season of mutual understanding."

The new statement was adopted by the General Assembly after virtually no debate.

Rabbi A. James Rudin, the senior interreligious affairs adviser for the American Jewish Committee, praised the Presbyterians for stepping back from what he called a "reckless" policy.

The call for divestment was adopted by the 2.3 million-member denomination's convention in 2004.

-- Religion News Service

Tax Exemption For Fla. Bible Park

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) has signed into law a bill that would grant theme parks that display, exhibit, illustrate and interpret biblical manuscripts the same tax-exempt status as museums.

The law is the product of a four-year legal battle involving the Holy Land Experience, a live-action biblical museum in Orlando, developed by Zion's Hope, a nonprofit Christian ministry that oversaw it for its first four years.

Orange County Property Appraiser Bill Donegan wanted the park to pay almost $1 million in back taxes since 2001, when it opened. Donegan refused to give it a full tax exemption because he questioned the purpose of the museum.

"I think Holy Land itself is religious, but I'm not convinced that it serves a religious purpose like a church. I guess we're going to have to find out the definition of a church. When you charge $30 for admission, is that a church?" Donegan told the Associated Press.

Last year, an Orange County Circuit Court ruled that the entire park could not be taxed because it is used predominantly for religious purposes, but Donegan appealed the decision.

After Bush signed the bill June 16, Donegan backed off from the legal fight.

Visitors to the Holy Land Experience walk through a 15-acre walled city that depicts Israel during the life of Jesus. There are reproductions of historical sites and theatrical renditions of biblical events.

-- Religion News Service

German Court Bars Driving in Burqas

Germany's Federal Traffic Court has issued a ruling that prohibits people from operating a motor vehicle while wearing certain traditional Muslim clothing.

In a decision issued Wednesday, the court said garments such as burqas and chadors might inhibit a driver's ability to see and hear properly.

"When one wears a burqa, one's ability to drive is affected," said a court spokeswoman. The court added that the ban had been the de facto policy before the ruling.

Both garments cover a woman's entire body. The burqa includes a gauze screen or veil that obscures the face.

The ruling means that police throughout Germany will now be able to stop any person they see operating a vehicle while wearing garb considered to be dangerous to driving.

-- Religion News Service