freepalestine
2nd December 2010, 01:23
Arab Orthodox orgs slam church-Israel 'collaboration'
Published yesterday (updated) 01/12/2010 18:33
http://www.revleft.com/vb/images/ViewDetails/Eng-1.jpg http://www.revleft.com/vb/images/ViewDetails/Eng+1.jpg
Orthodox Christians protest the lease of church land to Israeli developers,
during the visit of Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III in the
West Bank city of Bethlehem, Jan. 2010. [MaanImages/Haytham Othman]
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- The Arab Orthodox Central Council in Palestine and Jordan and the Council of Arab Orthodox Organizations in Palestine issued a statement on Tuesday "strongly condemning" cooperation between Greek Orthodox church officials and Israel's Ministry of Tourism.
The institutions organized a joint inauguration of an Israeli road in the Jordan Valley near the Saint George Monastery, in the occupied West Bank, earlier in the day including a press tour to the monastery, and reception along with officials from the Israeli Minister of Tourism, representatives of Israel's Civil Administration and Ministry of Transport.
In its joint statement, the Arab Ortoodox groups called the event and example of the church's "arrogant behavior that has harmed the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people."
The groups were angered, saying the event showed clear disregard for promises made a year earlier, when orthodox groups rallied against a church decision to lease lands to Israel for the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank.
"The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem should regret the fact that while Churches around the world call for an effective boycott and divestment from Israeli settlements, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem continues to support the colonization of our land," the statement said, pointing to a recent Synod organized by the Vatican about Middle East Christians which pointed to Israeli occupation as a central threat to Christian life in the Holy Land.
"The inauguration of an Israeli road in the Jordan Valley is another tool to further consolidate Israel’s settlement enterprise and control the area. Just a few days earlier, Israeli occupation forces demolished a mosque and threatened to demolish a Bedouin village at the Tubas District. Such an action make us question the ability of the current Greek Patriarch to defend the values of solidarity, compassion, peace and justice brought to this world by Our Lord Jesus Christ," the statement continued, asking the Palestinian Authority to "take strong action" against the church and "reevaluate its relationship with the Patriarchate, including boycotting entrance of the Greek Patriarch in Bethlehem for Christmas celebrations."
In 2009, members of the Greek Orthodox church organized a similar boycott.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=337488
Published yesterday (updated) 01/12/2010 18:33
http://www.revleft.com/vb/images/ViewDetails/Eng-1.jpg http://www.revleft.com/vb/images/ViewDetails/Eng+1.jpg
Orthodox Christians protest the lease of church land to Israeli developers,
during the visit of Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III in the
West Bank city of Bethlehem, Jan. 2010. [MaanImages/Haytham Othman]
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- The Arab Orthodox Central Council in Palestine and Jordan and the Council of Arab Orthodox Organizations in Palestine issued a statement on Tuesday "strongly condemning" cooperation between Greek Orthodox church officials and Israel's Ministry of Tourism.
The institutions organized a joint inauguration of an Israeli road in the Jordan Valley near the Saint George Monastery, in the occupied West Bank, earlier in the day including a press tour to the monastery, and reception along with officials from the Israeli Minister of Tourism, representatives of Israel's Civil Administration and Ministry of Transport.
In its joint statement, the Arab Ortoodox groups called the event and example of the church's "arrogant behavior that has harmed the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people."
The groups were angered, saying the event showed clear disregard for promises made a year earlier, when orthodox groups rallied against a church decision to lease lands to Israel for the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank.
"The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem should regret the fact that while Churches around the world call for an effective boycott and divestment from Israeli settlements, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem continues to support the colonization of our land," the statement said, pointing to a recent Synod organized by the Vatican about Middle East Christians which pointed to Israeli occupation as a central threat to Christian life in the Holy Land.
"The inauguration of an Israeli road in the Jordan Valley is another tool to further consolidate Israel’s settlement enterprise and control the area. Just a few days earlier, Israeli occupation forces demolished a mosque and threatened to demolish a Bedouin village at the Tubas District. Such an action make us question the ability of the current Greek Patriarch to defend the values of solidarity, compassion, peace and justice brought to this world by Our Lord Jesus Christ," the statement continued, asking the Palestinian Authority to "take strong action" against the church and "reevaluate its relationship with the Patriarchate, including boycotting entrance of the Greek Patriarch in Bethlehem for Christmas celebrations."
In 2009, members of the Greek Orthodox church organized a similar boycott.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=337488