Diocese of Jerusalem Warns of Existential Crisis Facing Christian Communities in the Holy Land

The Diocesan Majma of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, convening in Amman, Jordan, addresses a pivotal moment in the region’s history. Following years of war, destruction, displacement, and severe human suffering—some of the most profound in the Diocese’s living memory—communities face an existential crisis requiring immediate attention from the Church and the global community.

The theme of the Majma, “The Cross of Christ: Power and Life,” underscores that injustice must be confronted and that a fuller life must be lived by peoples. Suffering is followed by glory, and darkness by the light of truth and life. Among the key topics discussed were vocations, ministries, and spiritual gifts within the Church, including the permanent diaconate, policies for theological students, and other matters concerning Christian ministry in the Anglican Church across the Middle East.

This region, where Christianity was born, is home to some of the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world. For centuries, Christians have been an integral part of the peoples, cultures, societies, and nations of the Middle East. This heritage is cherished, and the Diocese remains committed to its Christian witness and presence in the lands where the faith first took root.

The Diocese expresses deep concern over the realities imposed upon the Palestinian people, including forced displacement, occupation, settlement expansion, and settler violence. It also highlights the destruction and ongoing insecurity faced by communities in Syria and Lebanon due to Israeli attacks, particularly on villages in the south.

Solidarity with the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip, is reaffirmed, along with continued ministry through the Ahli Arab Hospital of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The Diocese stands alongside parishes and communities throughout the West Bank, whose lives have been deeply affected by recent events and policies.

In this context, the Diocese welcomes the decision by the General Synod of the Church of England affirming solidarity with Palestinian Christians and a commitment to listen to their experiences. It also acknowledges the growing attention within churches to the ethical dimensions of their economic and institutional relationships, particularly where there may be complicity in human rights or international law violations.

Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humble service, a message that resonates with the Diocese’s call for accountability and compassion in the face of ongoing crises.

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