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After several years of experimentation, the main governing body of the World Council of Churches has formally adopted a consensus method of decision-making for all WCC organizational entities.

The move adopted at the February 15-22 meeting of the WCC’s Central Committee was prompted by longstanding grievances of Orthodox member churches, which are a minority in the predominantly Protestant organization.

Consensus decision-making involves taking steps to arrive at agreement on an issue or on how to deal with it short of agreement, without resorting to a straight vote.

The World Council of Churches has urged its 347 member denominations to give “serious consideration” to pulling investments out of Israel in protest of what it sees as mistreatment of Palestinians.

In calling for church-sponsored “economic pressure,” the WCC gave strong support to last year’s controversial decision by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to seek “phased selective divestment” from Israel. “This [Presbyterian] action is commendable in both method and manner, uses criteria rooted in faith and calls members to do the things that make for peace.”