Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jerusalem (Fides) – Violence and terrorism, relations between Christians, Jews and Muslims in the Holy Land, are the main issues of a statement issued by the Theological Commission of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem on December 3, with the title “Reflections on the Presence of the Church in the Holy Land: “Watchman, what time of night?” (Isaiah 21,11). The statement is signed by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah and 10 members of the diocesan Theological Commission including auxiliary Bishop Boulos Marcuzzo and Father Fredric Manns OFM, of the Franciscan Biblical Institute in Jerusalem.
“Christians in the Holy Land, in Israel, Palestine and Jordan, we share the hopes and aspirations of our peoples amidst violence and despair. Here, we are called in various ways to reflect in faith on the concrete issues which we face. Together, we have the responsibility to witness, by word and deed, to the Good News, and to help one another navigate our daily way as disciples of Christ. ”.
Addressing the situation of “violence and terrorism”, the authors condemn all forms of violence against persons and society, especially attacks on innocent citizens. In relations with Jews and Muslims the statement confirms commitment to rediscovering elements common to all three of the monotheistic religions.
“ We are deeply conscious of the vocation of the Church of Jerusalem to be a Christian presence in the midst of society, be it Muslim Arab or Jewish Israeli. We believe that we are called to be leaven, contributing to the positive resolution of the crises that we are passing through. We are a voice from within our societies whose history, language and culture we share. We seek to be a presence that promotes reconciliation, helping all peoples towards a dialogue that promotes understanding and that will ultimately lead to peace in this Land.”.(PA) (Fides Service 4/12/2003 lines 40 words 382)
