News|Human RightsJerusalem Patriarch, churches say Christian Zionism threatens ChristianitySenior clergy say outside agendas are fracturing Christian unity in the Holy Land and undermining their authority.

Church Leaders Address External Influences

Senior Christian leaders in Jerusalem have expressed concerns regarding external influences impacting the unity and future of Christianity in the Holy Land. They have highlighted the role of "Christian Zionism" and political figures associated with Israel.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem criticized local individuals promoting "damaging ideologies, such as Christian Zionism." These actions are said to mislead the public and disrupt the unity of the Christian community.

The church leaders noted that such efforts have gained backing from "certain political actors in Israel and beyond," potentially threatening the Christian presence in the Holy Land and the broader Middle East.

The statement coincided with increasing apprehension among Palestinian Christians regarding Israeli policies, including land confiscation, settlement expansion, and pressure on church property, which are perceived as challenges to one of the world's oldest Christian communities.

A significant segment of evangelical Christianity in the United States continues to influence political and financial support for Israel, which is causing concern among church leaders in Jerusalem.

Christian Zionism and Prosperity Gospel

Many Christian Zionists subscribe to the "prosperity gospel," which suggests that supporting Israel brings personal and financial rewards. Critics argue this belief results in donations and political backing for Israel's settlement policies, marginalizing Palestinian Christians and compromising the historic churches.

Concerns Over Engagement with External Actors

The patriarchs expressed "deep concern" over external actors being "welcomed at official levels both locally and internationally," viewing such engagement as interference in the internal affairs of the churches.

A report by the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem identified threats to Christian heritage, particularly in Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank, and Gaza. Issues such as unjustified taxation are highlighted as ongoing concerns endangering the community's existence.

On Wednesday, a senior Palestinian church body condemned Israeli restrictions preventing teachers from the occupied West Bank from accessing schools in occupied East Jerusalem, warning this constitutes an attack on Christian education.

The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine reported that Israeli authorities have significantly limited work permits for West Bank teachers, disrupting education and denying students their right to education.

The committee criticized the systematic measures imposed by Israeli occupation, which have affected Palestinian schools across Jerusalem, particularly impacting Christian institutions and delaying the educational process.

According to the committee, Israel's permit regime and military checkpoints are used to obstruct teachers, restrict movement, and weaken educational institutions. These practices are described as collective punishment and a form of racial discrimination prohibited under international law.

Church officials reported that Israeli authorities have revoked the permits of numerous teachers, affecting at least 171 teachers and staff. The committee warned that targeting Christian schools is part of a broader policy aimed at undermining Palestinian education and diminishing the Palestinian Christian presence in Jerusalem.

The measures are seen as efforts to strain teachers and students, weaken community life, and consolidate Israeli control over Jerusalem at the expense of its Indigenous Christian population.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.