Council of Churches Highlights Hashemite Guardianship’s Role in Preserving Jerusalem’s Holy Sites

Christophorus Attalah, president of the Council of Church Presidents in Jordan, highlighted the critical role of the Hashemite monarchy in safeguarding the holy sites of Jerusalem. He emphasized that the Hashemites are among the few entities capable of ensuring the protection of these sacred places, which hold profound significance for both Islamic and Christian communities.

Attalah spoke to “Al-Mamlakah,” noting that the Christian community in Jerusalem faces escalating challenges. He pointed to the Jerusalem Patriarchate, which has encountered increasing Israeli violations, particularly as extremism on the Israeli side has intensified. These actions, he said, threaten the stability and security of religious institutions in the region.

The leader also addressed the growing settlement activity in Palestinian territories, which he described as placing additional pressure on both Muslim and Christian communities. He called for a unified Arab stance to defend the presence of both faiths in Jerusalem and to resist Israeli efforts to alter the city’s religious character and identity.

Stressing the importance of Hashemite guardianship, Attalah reaffirmed Jordan’s role in protecting the holy sites and conveying their significance to the international community. He argued that Jordan’s leadership is essential in maintaining the sanctity of these locations and in countering plans that seek to change their religious and cultural essence.

In addition, Attalah urged the unification of the Christian stance in the East to present a cohesive message to the Western world. He criticized Western nations for justifying the violence committed by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip, despite their public claims of upholding Christian values. This call for unity reflects a broader concern for the preservation of religious and humanitarian principles in the Holy Land.

The remarks underscore the complex challenges faced by religious communities in Jerusalem, where the interplay of political, religious, and humanitarian issues continues to shape the landscape of the city. The call for Hashemite guardianship and Arab unity highlights the need for collective action to protect the city’s sacred heritage and ensure its continued role as a site of worship and peace.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)