WCC NEWS: Patriarchs and Heads of Jerusalem Churches express concern for Al-Aqsa Mosque worshippers and Sheikh Jarrah families

In a 9 May statement, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem expressed their profound concern over the recent violence in East Jerusalem. View in the neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem, February 2020. While a predominantly Palestinian neighbourhood, Sheikh Jarrah is under constant pressure from Israeli settler movements looking to push Palestinian families out and take over the area. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 11 May 2021 “These concerning developments, whether at the Al Aqsa Mosque or in Sheikh Jarrah, violate the sanctity of the people of Jerusalem and of Jerusalem as the City of Peace,” reads the statement. “The actions undermining the safety of worshipers and the dignity of the Palestinians who are subject to eviction are unacceptable.” The statement notes that the special character of Jerusalem, the Holy City, with the existing status quo, compels all parties to preserve the already sensitive situation in the Holy City of Jerusalem. "The growing tension, backed mainly by right-wing radical groups, endangers the already fragile reality in and around Jerusalem,” reads the statement. “We call upon the International Community and all people of good will to intervene in order to put an end to these provocative actions, as well as to continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Statement of the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem concerning Al-Aqsa Mosque worshippers and Sheikh Jarrah families See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland