Jerusalem Patriarch, Church Leaders Meet U.S. Senators Over Christian Hardships
Discussion highlights threats to Holy Land churches, Gaza crisis, and religious freedom.
JERUSALEM — Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, joined by leaders of the Armenian, Franciscan, Latin, and Anglican churches, hosted U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley for a solemn meeting on August 25 to address the mounting challenges facing Christians in the Holy Land.
The Patriarch expressed gratitude for the senators’ commitment to protecting freedom of worship, stressing that defending sacred sites upholds the Gospel’s witness in the city of its proclamation. Church leaders raised concerns over repeated attacks on churches and Gaza’s Ahli Arab Hospital, the Israeli “Arnona” tax threatening church patrimony, and growing dangers for Christian families in Taybeh and across the West Bank.
Particular anguish was voiced for Gaza, where clergy described children suffering hunger, civilians enduring ongoing violence, and families facing the risk of mass displacement. Quoting Christ’s words, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Patriarch Theophilos appealed for the preservation of life and dignity.
The senators pledged to convey these concerns to the U.S. State Department and Embassy.
Previously, UOJ reported that the Municipality of Jerusalem has frozen bank accounts belonging to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in response to a years-long tax dispute.
