Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick followed up his meeting (along with Moderator Rick Ufford-Chase and other Presbyterian leaders) with Jewish leaders, with a letter to the stated clerks and executives of all synods and presbyteries, reporting on the dialogue.  He pointed to some agreements that they were able to affirm, and listed some suggestions for future dialogues.

We appreciate his allowing us to share the letter here.  [10-22-04]

The Witherspoon executive committee has expressed support for the actions of the General Assembly, and appreciation for the efforts of our national staff and Moderator to maintain communication with the Jewish faith community and others about the very difficult issues involved. We dare to offer a few suggestions for the dialogue which will surely continue, and a quick survey of some of the background behind the current debates.

September 29, 2004

Stated Clerks and Executives
Presbyteries and Synods
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Dear Colleagues:

As many of you know, Moderator Rick Ufford-Chase and I, along with a small delegation, met with the national leaders of synagogue councils and related organizations in New York yesterday. While no one's minds were changed, it was a very respectful conversation, and I think it was helpful for us to share with our colleagues in the Jewish community exactly what actions the 216^th General Assembly had taken and what steps will be taken in the days ahead and to hear from them their concerns. We were unanimous in agreeing that we want to continue to be in dialogue and to build constructive relationships between our two communities.

We did reach agreement and several items:

· That while we have deep disagreements on many specific issues related to Israel and Palestine, we share an even deeper common agreement that what we both seek is a two state solution where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and with secure borders and that we jointly advocate this position,

· That we will continue the dialogue between our two communities on a national level and encourage such dialogues on a local basis,

· That we will seek to open lines of communications between our seminaries,

· That we will encourage our congregations to be in dialogue together using the materials being developed by the Union for Reformed Judaism and the PCUSA, Open Doors, Open Minds.

· That we work toward a shared or concurrent trip for Jewish and Presbyterians to the Middle East.

I know that many of you (and your congregations) are being contacted by counterparts in the Jewish community suggesting dialogues on the local level. As you do so, I hope you will be aware of the resources on the PCUSA website at www.pcusa.org/israelandjewishrelations. As you engage in such conversations, the following are suggestions you might find helpful:

· It is helpful if that meeting is held in a "neutral" location.

· The agenda for the meeting should be mutually agreed upon.

· There should be a commitment to entering into several opportunities for dialogue. ( 4 - 6 sessions)

· Resources needed to prepare for the meeting should be identified beforehand and all participants given access to all the resources to read before coming to the first meeting.

· A clear commitment to focus on the impact of the our communities/churches ' decision on local relationships and understanding, not necessarily upon advocating each other to change our policies or actions.

I know that dealing with these matters is not something you planned to be spending much time on this fall (neither did I!), but I do think God may well be using these events to give us a very important opportunity to make a witness for peace and justice in the Middle East and, even though it will be difficult, to build stronger and more lasting relationships with our sisters and brothers in the Jewish community.

I am grateful for the partnership we share in the gospel and pray that God will continue to bless your ministry.

Cordially yours,

Clifton Kirkpatrick
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly