News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Church-of-the-Holy-Sepulchre-main-2_article_image.jpg
Wikimedia Commons
World News

Jerusalem's most famous church closes in tax protest

by Eno Adeogun

Church leaders at The Holy Sepulchre claimed the new rules are an attack on Christians in the Holy Land.

The site, which many Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried, will remain closed until further notice, leaving disappointed pilgrims locked outside.

 

Dr Russell Rook, advisor to Theophilos III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, told Premier why the proposed bill is so bad.

"It's a bill that is due to go before the Knesset - the Israeli parliament, that would make it possible for the government of Israel to essentially confiscate church properties and properties owned by different churches... in Jerusalem," he said during Premier's News Hour.

"So this has been the issue that has pushed the church leaders in Jerusalem over the edge to say 'this threatens our very existence as churches, as Christians in this holy city and enough is enough'."

A statement was issued on Sunday signed by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem; the Catholic Custos of the Holy Land, Fr Francesco Patton; the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, Patriarch Nourhan Manougian and others.

It said that the campaign was a "discriminatory and racist bill".

Announcing the closure of the 4th-century church, they condemned a "systematic and unprecedented attack against Christians in the Holy Land" that "severely violates the most basic... and sovereign rights, trampling on the delicate fabric of relations between the Christian community and the authorities for decades".

Creative Commons

Dr Rook urged Christians to pray for the nation.

"Pray for a peaceful resolution. Scripture tells us we've got to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, so we're not trying to stir up a fight and certainly the Patriarch isn't wanting to fight - he's wanting peace.

"Pray that the discussions between the Christian leaders and the politicians in the municipality and the city of Jerusalem and in the Knesset - the Israeli government actually come to a peaceful conclusion and we get to a much better position.

"And if they want to act, they can write to their MP, or maybe even better - the Prime Minister... and say 'would the UK use its influence to bring about a peaceful reconciliation to this really difficult problem?'"

Listen to Dr Russell Rook speaking with Premier's Marcus Jones.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

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