Williams backs bid to disinvest in firms that aid Israeli 'occupiers'
By Jonathan Petre, Religion Correspondent
(Filed: 07/02/2006)

The Church of England was on a collision course with Jewish leaders last night after it voted to disinvest in companies profiting from the illegal occupation of Palestinian land.

The General Synod overwhelmingly backed calls for the Church Commissioners to remove funds from such firms, particularly its £2.2 million investment in Caterpillar, which manufactures tractors used to demolish Palestinian homes.

The vote, which was supported by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is hugely symbolic, even if the Commissioners refuse to comply.

The move will anger the Chief Rabbi and senior clerics such as the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, who has argued that Israel needs the support of the Church.
Story