JERUSLAEM, July 19, 2017 (WAFA) – Heads of churches in Jerusalem Wednesday expressed serious concern over heightened tension in East Jerusalem following Israeli police installation of metal detectors on gates leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that the holy places need constant watchful protection.

“We, the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, wish to express our serious concern regarding recent violent development on al-Haram al-Sharif,” said the church leaders in a statement.

“We condemn all threats of change to historical (Status Quo) situation in the Al-Aqsa Mosque (Haram Al-Sharif) and its courtyard, all buildings, and in the city of Jerusalem,” it added.

“Any threat to its continuity and integrity could easily lead to unpredictable consequences which would be most unwelcome in the present delicate political climate.”

The heads of churches, who included all patriarchs, archbishops and leaders of the 13 Christian denominations in Jerusalem, came out in support of fellow Muslims demanding free access to their holy places.

“Muslims have the right to free access and worship to the Al-Aqsa Mosque,” they said.

“There is a great importance of the custody of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on Al-Aqsa Mosque and the holy places in Jerusalem and the Holy Land. We believe that all Holy Sites need constant watchful protection so that reasonable access to them can be maintained according to the Status Quo of all three Abrahamic faiths,” said the heads of churches.

“We renew our call that the existing Status Quo governing these sites needs to be fully respected for the sake of the whole community,” concluded the statement.

M.K.