Shea Says IRD Report Uses 'Flawed Methodology'
Episcopal News Service. September 27, 2004 [092704-2]
In a statement released today, Maureen Shea, Director of Government Relations for the Episcopal Church, expressed regret that: "The Institute on Religion and Democracy is releasing a report today that uses flawed methodology, undercuts the church's long-standing support for peace in the Middle East, and devalues the church's efforts to strive for justice around the world." The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations received a copy of the report at 10:30 this morning, and based upon a preliminary review Shea pointed out:
IRD's Flawed Methodology: In order to make a fair study of the church's resolutions, one would have to look at the full body of resolutions based by the church. As an Episcopalian herself, Diane Knippers, IRD President, presumably knows that by examining only those resolutions passed between 2000 and 2003, IRD is ignoring the bulk of the church's resolutions on policy matters. Resolutions passed at General Convention or in Executive Council continue to be in effect unless subsequently overturned. There is no record of a human rights resolution being overturned. In addition, by ignoring statements and letters from the Presiding Bishop and other church officials, as well as the advocacy work of Peace and Justice Ministries and the Government Relations Office, the so-called study examines only one part of the human rights advocacy of the church. (Attached is a partial listing of positions excluded from the report.)
Episcopal Church Support for Israel and Palestine: The Episcopal Church supports the right of Israel to exist with secure defensible borders and a Palestinian state that is viable and sovereign. A General Convention Resolution from 1991 notes that a distinction exists between the propriety of legitimate criticism of Israeli governmental policy and action and the impropriety of anti-Jewish prejudice and "deplores all expressions of anti-Jewish prejudice…in whatever form, and urge its elimination from the affairs of the Episcopal Church, its individual members and its various units." Along with human rights groups in the United States, Israel, and Palestine, the church has raised concerns about actions of the Israeli government that are harmful to Palestinians and may lead to less, rather than more, security for Israelis. The church has also criticized violence on the part of both Palestinians and Israelis. It is unconscionable for IRD to suggest that these concerns constitute "anti-Jewish animus."
Episcopal Church Human Rights Advocacy: In working to fulfill our baptismal covenant to strive for justice and peace among all people, the Episcopal Church serves as an advocate for a broad range of human rights issues. Clergy and laity establish the church's social policies, which include not only religious freedom and anti-discrimination, elimination of sex trafficking, but also policies encompassed in the Millennium Development Goals of eradicating extreme poverty, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS and malaria, ensuring environmental sustainability, and creating a global partnership for development.
Shea concluded: "In a world where there is so much need, it is unfortunate that IRD uses its resources on a biased study whose only point appears to be to sow division."