Meeting July 15-21 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) became the first denomination in the United States to pass major legislation regarding East Timor. Here is the text adopted by their national governing body. -- John Chamberlin, East Timor Religious Outreach
The 207 General Assembly (1995) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):
1. Raises its voice of concern, not only to speak to our own government or to the government of Indonesia, but also, by the rights and duties of partnership, to challenge Indonesian partner churches to stand in solidarity with those who are oppressed in East Timor.
2. Acknowledges that the international community does not accept as legal the de facto Indonesian military occupation of East Timor, and that the United Nations, not recognizing the claim of annexation, continues to hold talks on the political status of East Timor and to monitor the human rights conditions.
3. Rejects the argument that economic development of East Timor is justification for Indonesian control, pointing out that current development patterns are used to marginalize the indigenous people and weaken their language and culture.
4. Affirms that economic aid to East Timor should meet the stated needs of the East Timorese and help develop the necessary educational and technical capacity for present and future development.
5. Calls for the participation of the East Timorese themselves in the resolution of the political problems with Indonesia as essential to their liberty and to the stability of the entire region.
6. Calls on the United States government to cease military aid and to place an embargo on the sale of arms to Indonesia.
7. Supports the application of the Christian Church of East Timor (GKTT) for membership in the World Council of Churches and other ecumenical bodies in order for the East Timorese church to have an independent voice.
[The background to this action appeared in Reports to the General Assembly 33.105-117.]