BEIRUT, 27 February, 2018 (WAFA) - The Middle East Council of Churches Tuesday declared its total solidarity with the situation of the heads of Churches in Jerusalem, which led to the serious decision to close the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in protest in the presence of pilgrims arriving from all over the world.

Additionally, the Council called upon the relevant authorities to preserve the prevailing customs of the Holy city, and to respect the laws imposed by international conventions regarding the position of the Churches in Jerusalem.

The Council stressed the importance of respecting the current situation and expressed its deep concern regarding the future of Christians in the Holy Land in general, and in Jerusalem specifically, as a result of arbitrary decisions taken by the local authorities [Israel], which if implemented, will result in stripping the Church of its property and threatening its presence in the city altogether, which is unacceptable.

It said, “We pray for God to inspire all parties involved towards what is good in the Holy Land for its religions and communities. We ask the Almighty to maintain peace, which is necessary for all God’s people to be blessed with stability and tranquility.”

M.H.