Melkite Greek Catholic Church Condemns Meeting Between Christian Leaders and Israel’s President

Ramallah, December 22, 2023 – The pastoral council of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Ramallah has recently issued a statement strongly condemning a meeting that took place between Christian leaders and Israel’s president in occupied Jerusalem.

The statement released by the council described the meeting as being held “under feeble pretexts and against the interests of the Palestinian people.” The council expressed their disappointment and concern over the participation of Christian leaders in such a gathering, which they believe undermines the Palestinian cause and supports Israeli occupation.

The Melkite Greek Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Holy See, is known for its strong affiliation with the Palestinian cause and its support for the rights of the Palestinian people. The church has been vocal in condemning the Israeli occupation and advocating for a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The meeting between Christian leaders and Israel’s president has sparked controversy and raised questions about the role of religious figures in the political arena. Many Palestinians view this meeting as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and an endorsement of the Israeli occupation.

The pastoral council’s statement emphasized the need for the church to focus on its spiritual mission and resist any attempts to politicize its role. It called on Christian leaders to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and support their struggle for freedom and independence.

Furthermore, the council urged all Christian denominations and organizations to refrain from engaging in activities that normalize the Israeli occupation and violate the rights of Palestinians. It called for a united front among Christians in advocating for justice, peace, and the respect of international law.

The statement also highlighted the importance of Jerusalem as a holy city for Christians, Muslims, and Jews, and emphasized the need to preserve its religious and cultural heritage. The council expressed its concern over ongoing Israeli policies that threaten the status quo of Jerusalem and called on the international community to take a more active role in protecting the city’s religious sites and ensuring the rights of all its inhabitants.

As news of the statement spread, it received mixed reactions. Some praised the Melkite Greek Catholic Church for taking a strong stance against the meeting, while others criticized the church for involving itself in politics. Nonetheless, the statement has ignited a broader debate about the role of religious institutions in political matters and their responsibility towards the communities they serve.

The pastoral council’s statement serves as a reminder that religious leaders have a moral obligation to advocate for justice and stand against oppression. In the case of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, it is clear that their commitment to the Palestinian cause remains steadfast, despite the challenges they face.

As the debate continues, it is crucial for all parties involved to find common ground and work towards a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis.

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BREAKING| The pastoral council of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Ramallah has issued a statement condemning a meeting between Christian leaders and Israel’s president in occupied Jerusalem.

The statement described the meeting as being held “under feeble pretexts and… pic.twitter.com/yC7jzq6YJX

— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) December 22, 2023

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@QudsNen said BREAKING| The pastoral council of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Ramallah has issued a statement condemning a meeting between Christian leaders and Israel's president in occupied Jerusalem. The statement described the meeting as being held "under feeble pretexts and… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

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