Jerusalem Christian Leaders See Signs of Hope in Holy Land

Christian Church leaders in Jerusalem believe that there are "small signs of hope" despite the violence in the Holy Land.

By Kenneth Chan, Monday, December 27, 2004

Christian Church leaders in Jerusalem believe that there are "small signs of hope" despite the violence in the Holy Land, according to a Christmas statement obtained by an Italy-based news agency.

"The two peoples of this Holy Land are still in quest of peace and justice, searching how to put an end to hostility, bloodshed and killings in Palestine and Israel, not least in Bethlehem itself, the city of peace toward which all Christians in the world turn their eyes in these days," wrote the Christian leaders in the statement received by Zenit News.

But despite this, the leaders agreed that "there are in these days small signs of hope: promises that soon some political prisoners will be released by the Israelis and hopes of renewed efforts by all sides to resume the peace talks."

The patriarchs and the heads of the churches of Jerusalem suggested that the Christians of the Holy Land ask themselves "if we truly welcome Christ into our lives and if we are true witnesses to him and if the others see through our witnessing in our daily life Jesus the Savior and the Prince of Peace and the dignity he gave to all men and women" especially during the present time "amid oppressions and humiliations imposed on so many."

The religious leaders requested for all "Christian brothers and sisters" to "offer our sincere thanks for all your prayers, solidarity, and for your love to this Holy Land and to all its inhabitants."

"We express our thanks and joy for the coming back of the pilgrims and look for very many more," they said. "The churches in the world are called to remember that the Holy Land is the land of the roots of all Christians."

"The future of Bethlehem itself needs a special attention," the letter affirmed. "Doubtless you will sing time-honored carols about 'The Little Town of Bethlehem.' This little town today needs a special support in order to remain the town of peace, where faithful believing in Jesus the Savior and the Prince of Peace can remain.

The Church leaders reported that many Christian families had already left the Bethlehem area "because of the hardships they have experienced not least from the building of the 'separation wall,' and the incredible structure at the entrance to the city."

"All these works have also meant many Christian families have had their land confiscated from them," the leaders added.

Continuing, the message went on to say "As heads of churches we continue to endeavor to build bridges of peace and hope as we raise our voices for justice amongst all peoples. But still, dear brothers and sisters, we need you to play your part in your respective countries.

"We pray and hope that the days will come when people in Bethlehem and in all the Holy Land will live freely without the need of the separation wall for security," concluded the statement.

Those who signed the statement included: Lutheran Bishop Mounib Younan, Anglican Bishop Riah Abu el-Assal, Greek Orthodox Patriarch Ireneos I of Jerusalem, Armenian Orthodox Patriarch Torkom I Manooghian, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop Anba Abraham, Ethiopian Orthodox Archbishop Aba Cuostos, Syro-Orthodox Archbishop Swerios Malki Murad, Father Pierbattista Pizziballa--Custodian of the Holy Land, Greek Catholic Archimandrite Mtanios Haddad, Armenian Catholic Bishop George Khazoum, Syro-Catholic Bishop Pierre Malki;,Latin-rite Catholic Patriarch Michel Sabbah, and Maronite Archbishop Paul Sayyah.