Christian Leaders in Jerusalem Denounce ‘Damaging Ideologies’ Including Christian Zionism

Christian leaders in Jerusalem have issued a joint statement condemning what they describe as “damaging ideologies,” including Christian Zionism, which they claim mislead the public and harm the unity of the Christian community in the Holy Land. The statement, released on January 17, was signed by the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, representing a range of Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Orthodox communities. They warned that these ideologies, promoted by certain individuals in Israel and Palestine, “mislead the public, sow confusion, and harm the unity of our flock.”

The leaders emphasized that the historic Apostolic Churches hold pastoral authority over Christians in the Holy Land, noting their centuries-long dedication to ministering to the faithful. They cited Romans 12:5, which underscores the unity of believers as one body in Christ, to stress the importance of ecclesial solidarity. The statement warned that claims to authority outside of communion with the Church “wound the Body of Christ” and “burden the pastoral mission entrusted to the historic churches” in the land where Jesus lived, taught, suffered, and rose from the dead.

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches also expressed concern that individuals promoting these ideologies have gained attention at official levels, both locally and internationally. They stated that such actions “constitute interference in the internal life of the churches” and “disregard the pastoral responsibility vested in the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem.” The statement affirmed that the patriarchs alone “represent the Churches and their flock in matters pertaining to Christian religious, communal, and pastoral life in the Holy Land.”

In response to the statement, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted a lengthy message on X, rejecting the patriarchs’ criticism and defending Christian Zionism as a legitimate expression of Christian belief. Huckabee argued that no “sect of the Christian faith should claim exclusivity in speaking for Christians worldwide” and that support for the state of Israel is rooted in Scripture and God’s covenant with the Jewish people. His response was brief and cut off mid-sentence, leaving the full context of his remarks unclear.

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