News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Patriarch-Theophilos-Church-Nativity-main_article_image.jpg
Jerusalem Patriarchate
World News

Extra Christmas celebration for Jerusalem churches

The so-called 'Tenants' Rights Law' was set to be discussed at Sunday's Ministerial Committee for Legislation.

Church leaders say the legislation discriminates against Christians, restricts the rights of Christian institutions to deal with their property and threatens the very income that sustains the Church's humanitarian work and ability to maintain Holy Sites.

Those looking to implement the bill have pushed it through four times previously but the latest attempt as churches were celebrating Christmas was said to have shocked and offended local Christians.

Welcoming the withdrawal, His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem said: "The Church Leaders of Jerusalem welcome the withdrawal of this offensive and discriminatory bill that selectively harms Christians.  

"I call upon  Prime Minister Netanyahu to continue to honour his explicit promise to preserve the long-standing status quo between the Church and the State and promote religious freedom in Israel."

Speaking to ITV last week, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby gave his support to the churches of Jerusalem battling this legislation.

He said: "The proposed law would have a very serious effect on the Christian churches in Jerusalem, the very place we are looking to at this time of year.

"There are issues in the bill that need to be looked at but this is not the right moment... I admire Prime Minister Netanyahu reflecting Israel's reputation for freedom of religion and belief and the rule of law. I hope he will continue to do so."

Church Leaders in Jerusalem say they are wary that the bill will return once more and are determined to work with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Hanegbi to find a lasting solution.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate