Theologians Reject Jerusalem Patriarchs’ Criticism of Christian Zionism

Christian theologians have strongly rejected a recent statement from the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, which condemned Christian Zionism as a harmful ideology. The declaration, issued on January 17, 2026, was widely shared on social media and later used by antisemitic figures and organizations to target Christians who support Israel. The statement accused individuals welcomed by Israel at official levels of interfering in the internal affairs of churches.

The declaration, which remains unsigned, claims to represent the churches in the Holy Land on matters of religious, communal, and pastoral life. However, previous signed statements indicate that the body includes leaders from Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Eastern and Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Episcopalian traditions. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Pope’s envoy, is among the highest-profile figures associated with the group.

The statement criticized individuals who have been invited by the Israeli government to recent conferences in Jerusalem, including 150 evangelical journalists and 1,000 pastors. It warned them not to interfere in the “internal life of the churches.” The document does not define “Christian Zionism,” a term that the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem describes as supporting “the Jewish people’s right to return to their homeland.”

Top Catholic theologians, such as André Villeneuve and Gavin D’Costa, have affirmed what they call “Catholic Zionism,” with Villeneuve arguing that Zionists can be Jewish, Christian, or non-religious. This perspective aligns with the belief that supporting the Jewish people’s return to their homeland is a matter of justice and faith.

The statement has been interpreted by some as a move to discredit evangelical Christians, who are often seen as a key pillar of U.S. support for Israel. This comes amid broader efforts by anti-Israel activists on the left and the “woke right” to challenge the influence of evangelical Christians in global politics. The timing of the declaration also coincides with public figures like Tucker Carlson, who has criticized Christian Zionism as a “Christian heresy” and a “brain virus.”

Theological responses to the statement emphasize the importance of distinguishing between the Jewish people, Israelis, the Israeli government, and Zionist movements. The declaration’s focus on the “internal life of the churches” raises questions about the role of religious institutions in political discourse. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, people should act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, principles that should guide both theological and political engagement.

Source: Read the original report