GA passes several strong actions for peace

The 218th General Assembly of the PC(USA) has taken action on several recommendations from the committee on Peacemaking and International Issues, concerning the Philippines, Colombia, Conscientious Objectors, and Israel/Palestine:

• A commissioners resolution, 11-31, Concerning Human Rights Violations in the Philippines, brought by two commissioners who are members of PPF and participated in February's delegation, passed unanimously in committee and then on the floor of the Assembly by consent agenda. The resolution calls for increased solidarity and advocacy with our partners in the Philippines.
• A strong statement of solidarity with our partners and the people of Colombia, 11-18, Report on Human Rights in Colombia, passed by a vote of 521-142-11 (yes-no-abstain), after being eloquently endorsed from the floor by PPF members Richard Williams and Rick Ufford-Chase.
• 11-22, On Supporting Those Who Feel Called to Seek Status as Conscientious Objectors passed by hand vote.
• A strong overture on Israel/Palestine referred to by several commissioners on the floor as "prophetic", item 11-01, On Peace and Justice in Palestine and Israel passed by a vote of 501-171-7 (yes-no-abstain). Discussion of this item centered mostly on its inclusion of endorsing the Amman Call of the World Council of Churches.
• Another overture on Israel/Palestine, 11-26, On Middle East Peacemaking, which proposed a different approach to peace than 11-01, was defeated by means of the minority report replacing the main motion of the committee in a vote of 400-255-8.