The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA expresses its concern for the communities in the Holy Land that are being targeted by hostile rhetoric and actions, as well as outright violence and extremism. No community is safe – Israeli or Palestinian; Jewish, Muslim, or Christian – while this violence is tolerated, if not encouraged, by political leaders.
Illustrating the distress felt by all residents of Jerusalem and the surrounding region, due to this violence, is the situation of the Armenian Christian community, which has been part of the fabric of Jerusalem since the 4th century and whose community members are now reportedly subject to continual threats. While we lift them up for particular mention at this time, our concern, and our prayers for peace, extend to all communities in the Holy Land.
For more information on the ecumenical Christian response to the ongoing violence, please see: https://cmep.salsalabs.org/ps-jan2023-usmustengage