Canadian senators are warning the United Church of Canada that a boycott of goods from Israeli settlements in occupied lands could cause a rift with the Jewish community.Nasser Ishtayeh/The Associated Press
The United Church of Canada will vote next month on boycotting goods that come from Jewish settlements in the West Bank. But nine senators – both Conservatives and Liberals, and all members of the United Church, have urged them to reject the idea, arguing it will damage relations to Canada's Jewish community.
The proposal for the boycott, put forward by a church working group, has sparked debate inside the Church – one of Canada's larger denominations, with 650,000 official members – and outside it. So has the senators' criticism.
For the record, here is a copy of letter sent by the nine senators, and the replies of the United Church's moderator, and a church official who worked on the proposal.
Campbell Clark