Methodists won’t divest from companies trading with Israel

At least for now, the United Methodist Church will not divest from three companies that trade with Israel. JTA reports:

Two-thirds of the approximately 1,000 delegates to the conference voted Wednesday in Tampa, Fla., against a motion to divest from Caterpillar, Motorola Solutions and Hewlett-Packard.

Divestment advocates claim that products manufactured by these companies are used to repress Palestinians.

However, the conference also passed a motion supporting a boycott of products manufactured in West Bank settlements. More on the closely watched vote from Laurie Goodstein at the NYT.

Next up, the Presbyterian Church USA, which will vote on a divestment measure at its general assembly that begins June 30.