Backlash
When the hierarchy of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) declared that it wanted to send a “strong message” to the international community to convey its disdain for the Jewish state, thus identifying with the radical Palestinian and Arab elements bent on annihilating Israel, it accomplished its purpose. But, as one could safely predict, these far-left, liberal leaders were out of step with thousands of their parishioners, who are not of like mind.
What the PCUSA generated was a wake up call, not only for many in the Jewish community but also for its own parishioners, who apparently were unaware of their denominational leaders’ radical bent. Evidently, these leaders never anticipated the backlash from those who fail to accept this militancy toward the only democracy with freedom of religion in the Middle East.
Immediately irate Presbyterians began to object vehemently to decisions by a leadership that they assert has lost touch with its members.
The late President Ronald Reagan’s former pastor reportedly said that no issue has produced as much anger from his parishioners as this one.
Every caller to Dennis Prager’s nationally syndicated talk show who disagreed with the decision said the actions of the Presbyterian Church’s General Assembly do not accurately reflect the beliefs and convictions of the people in the pews.
One local pastor reportedly complained that the resolution was only a symptom of the problem that he, as a Presbyterian, sees with his denomination: It is supposed to take its cues from the churches on the front instead of becoming top-heavy with hierarchy.
Will the hierarchy get the message? Not a chance. The reason is simple: It controls the purse strings of the denominations well-heeled endowment funds. Thus its radical, liberal-left agenda will continue to dominate its policies.
