Unraveling the Tension: Christian Churches in Jerusalem Face Unprecedented Challenges
Navigating the Crossfire: The Struggle for the Soul of Jerusalem's Christian Community
The leaders of various major Christian churches in Jerusalem have united in opposition to the municipality's decision to impose municipal taxes (Arnona) on church properties, accusing Israeli authorities of launching a "coordinated attack" on the Christian presence in the Holy Land. In a joint statement, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches expressed deep concern over the municipality's move, arguing it contradicted centuries of historical agreements between the churches and civil authorities.
"We declare that such a measure both undermines the sacred character of Jerusalem and jeopardizes the Church's ability to conduct its ministry in this land on behalf of its communities and the worldwide church," stated the church leaders.
The heads of churches emphasized the significant contributions of Christian churches to Jerusalem, including investments in schools, hospitals, homes for the elderly, and facilities for the disadvantaged. They stated that civil authorities have historically recognized and respected these contributions.
The church leaders called upon the municipality to retract its decision and uphold the historically sanctioned status quo, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Jerusalem's sacred character and protecting the churches' ability to fulfill their ministries.
The conflict over municipal taxes on church properties in Jerusalem has been ongoing for several years, with the Jerusalem Municipality previously announcing plans in 2018 to collect taxes from properties owned by churches that are not used as houses of worship. This decision led to significant backlash from church leaders, who viewed the move as violating longstanding agreements and international obligations guaranteeing their rights and privileges.
The situation escalated when church leaders closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—revered by Christians as the site of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection—in protest, highlighting the severity of their opposition. They argued that taxing sites like pilgrim hostels and information centers would infringe on Christian religious observance.
The churches' collective opposition to the municipal tax underscores their commitment to preserving Jerusalem's religious and social fabric, reflecting concerns shared by the Christian community in the Holy City. As the conflict continues to unfold, the future of the Christian presence in Jerusalem remains uncertain, with both sides steadfast in their positions.