WCC NEWS: WCC expresses solidarity with Patriarchate of Jerusalem in call for protection of holy sites

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay condemned an attack that took place in the Church of Gethsemane in Jerusalem and expressed solidarity with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in calling for international protection of holy sites. 18 April 2019, Jerusalem: On Maundy Thursday (Western tradition), the Church of Gethsemane filled to the brim with Christians from Jerusalem and all over the world participating in the Easter celebrations, who then lit candles, marching through the valley below, and up the hillside to share a moment of prayer. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 20 March 2023 “This terrible attack – which appears to have purposely targeted religious leaders – is an egregious violation of international law,” he said. “We stand in solidarity with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and all those calling for protection of holy sites, and we reiterate our calls for such protection during Christian holidays and during all days of importance for all faith communities. The WCC is extremely concerned about the increasing attacks on holy sites in Jerusalem and deems it necessary to facilitate a meeting of key religious leaders in the near future to discuss what can be done to stop these uncalled for attacks on religious leaders, sacred places and institutions.” In a statement, the Patriarchate denounced “the attempt to cause physical harm to Archbishop Joachim, who was leading the service, as well as the attack on one of the priests in the church.” The Patriarchate deplored the crime, which came at the time of Lent preparations for Easter celebrations. “The Patriarchate also emphasize that terrorist attacks, by radical Israeli groups, targeting churches, cemeteries, and Christian properties, in addition to physical and verbal abuse against Christian clergy, have become almost a daily occurrence that evidently increases in intensity during Christian holidays,” the statement reads. “This dismal situation hasn’t drawn any appropriate reaction, locally or internationally, despite appeals, requests, and protests made by the Churches of the Holy Land. The Patriarchate Calls On The International Community To Support The Hashemite Custodianship And Its Protection Of Jerusalem Holy Sites 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 general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. 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