WCC NEWS: At the lighting of the Christmas tree at Jaffa Square, prayers lifted up for hope and reconciliation

His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, at the lighting of the Christmas tree at the New imperial Hotel, Jaffa Square on 16 December, reflected on light, hope, and reconciliation. Crowds gathered at Jaffa Square on 16 December. Photo: WCC 20 December 2022 "We pray that this light may shine in the hearts and minds of the rulers of this world as well as in the hearts and minds of those who govern our region, so that peace, righteousness, and reconciliation may reign over us all,” Theophilos III said. “The work of peace, righteousness, and reconciliation is the responsibility of all people of good will.” The lighting of this Christmas tree also celebrates all that represents the true character of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, the patriarch said. “This is a powerful reminder that Jerusalem is a beacon for the whole world, especially in the face of the turbulence and violence that affect the lives of so many,” he said. “Christians have become the target of repeated and continuous attacks by radical Israeli groups, especially in the Holy City.” He noted that, for the past decade, countless crimes have been committed against Christians. “These radical groups are committing their crimes in a deliberate attempt to expel Christians from Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land,” he said. “We long for peace, and so let us not rend this fabric of our historic common life that has provided room enough down the ages for all who call the Holy Land their home.” The Holy Land has a matchless heritage, he noted. “This simple ceremony of the lighting of a tree shows us the way and shines as a sign of hope in the darkness,” he concluded. “May this season of light and of the hope of new life bring us together in a new resolve.” Photo: WCC 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 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 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