ICEJ Rejects Patriarchs’ Claim That Christian Zionism Harms Church Unity

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) on Tuesday criticized a statement by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem that listed “Christian Zionism” among “damaging ideologies.” The ICEJ said the characterization misleads the public and harms Christian unity. In a statement sent to the media, the group said its Zionism is biblical in origin and practice, and it called for disagreements to be addressed through direct dialogue among Christians.

The ICEJ argued that the modern return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel accords with promises in both the Old and New Testaments and strengthens, rather than undermines, Christian faith. The group said Christian support for Jewish restoration predates supersessionism and continues across many denominations.

The Embassy said belief in the Jewish return has been sustained from the apostles and early Church writers through medieval clergy to modern Protestant and Evangelical movements. It also pointed to sympathetic views among contemporary Catholic leaders, citing past comments by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn about the Jewish people’s deep attachment to their ancestral homeland and the significance of their return.

The ICEJ urged that any doctrinal disputes within the Christian community be pursued first “among brethren,” rather than through public statements or the media, a choice it presented as a way of seeking peace within the church (Matthew 5:9).

The Patriarchs’ statement warned that unnamed individuals were advancing “damaging ideologies,” including Christian Zionism, that could “sow confusion” and “harm the unity” of local Christians. The wording drew further attention after Armenian church leaders highlighted the claim, saying Christian Zionism threatens unity within the flock.

The ICEJ concluded its response by reiterating that Christian unity is best served through open conversation. The Patriarchs’ January 17 text, however, continued to caution against “damaging ideologies” within the community.

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