Christian Zionism poses threat to Christianity, says Jerusalem Patriarch and churches

Senior Christian Leaders in Jerusalem Issue Warning on External Interference

A statement released by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem has warned against external interference threatening the unity and future of Christianity in the Holy Land. The leaders expressed concern over “damaging ideologies” such as Christian Zionism, which they claim are being promoted by local individuals and certain political actors in Israel.

The church leaders accused these individuals and groups of pushing an agenda that could undermine the Christian presence not only in the Holy Land but across the wider Middle East. They also criticized the support of Christian Zionism by a powerful strand of evangelical Christianity in the United States, which they claim is linked to donations and political backing for Israel’s settlement enterprise.

The statement noted that individuals promoting these agendas have been welcomed at official levels both locally and internationally, which the church leaders see as an intrusion into their internal life. They emphasized that such actions disregard the authority and responsibility of Jerusalem’s historic Christian leadership.

A recent report by the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem highlighted threats to Christian heritage, particularly in Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank, and Gaza. The report called for urgent action to protect Christian communities and their places of worship throughout the West Bank.

Separately, a senior Palestinian church body has condemned Israeli restrictions that prevent teachers from the occupied West Bank from reaching schools in occupied East Jerusalem. The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine rejected arbitrary measures imposed by the Israeli occupation, which they claim amount to collective punishment and reflect a policy of racial discrimination prohibited under international law.

The statement issued by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem serves as a reminder of the ongoing concerns faced by Christian communities in the Holy Land.

Source: Al Jazeera