A letter with more than 200 signatories, organized by Churches for Middle East Peace in the United States and Embrace the Middle East in the United Kingdom, was provided to A Public Witness ahead of its formal release today.
Leaders from a variety of denominations and organizations gathered on International Human Rights Day to call for Christians to stand for justice and dignity for Palestinians.
The pro-Palestinian creche is intended to point out the disconnect between the idealized Bethlehem of most representations and the reality in present-day Gaza and the West Bank.
In September, he said Israel's attacks in Gaza and Lebanon have been immoral and disproportionate and that its military has gone beyond the rules of war.
He has maintained throughout the years that the West Bank belongs to Israel, and recently said ‘the title deed was given by God to Abraham and to his heirs.’
Strikes in the traditionally ’safe’ areas where many displaced families have fled are raising fears among local Christian residents. Many feel they have to choose between helping compatriots and protecting themselves.