Presbyterians to debate divestment from Israel at Detroit convention

More than 5,000 Presbyterians from across the U.S., gathering in Detroit for their biennial convention starting Saturday, are expected to hotly debate resolutions that would partially divest the denomination’s investments in three companies that do business in Israel.

Held every two years, the eight-day gathering at Cobo Center of the largest Presbyterian denomination in the U.S., Presbyterian Church USA, is expected to consider four resolutions that would divest its investments in Caterpillar, Motorola Solutions, and Hewlett-Packard.

Resolutions that back same-sex marriage are also being considered, among many others.

Two years ago at their last assembly in Pittsburgh, a resolution divesting from Israel was narrowly defeated by just two votes (333-331), and advocates for divestment say they hope this time they will have enough votes to win.

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