WCC news: Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem urge prayers and attention to Taybeh and other Christian communities

The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem, visiting the community of Taybeh, expressed solidarity with the local community following an intensifying trend of systemic and targeted attacks. “We ask for the prayers, attention, and action of the world, particularly that of Christians globally,” reads a statement from the religious leaders. Photo: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem 17 July 2025 On 7 July, radical Israelis from nearby settlements intentionally set fire near the town’s cemetery and the Church of Saint George, which dates back to the 5th century. “Taybeh is the last remaining all-Christian town in the West Bank,” notes the statement. “These actions are a direct and intentional threat to our local community first and foremost, but also to the historic and religious heritage of our ancestors and holy sites.” The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem gave thanks for the local residents and firefighters for extinguishing the fire before the holy sites were destroyed. “The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches calls for these radicals to be held accountable by the Israeli authorities, who facilitate and enable their presence around Taybeh,” reads the statement. “Even in times of war, sacred places must be protected.” Patriarchs and Heads of Churches called for an immediate and transparent investigation into why the Israeli police did not respond to emergency calls from the local community and why these abhorrent actions continue to go unpunished. “The attacks by the hands of settlers against our community, which is living in peace, must stop, both here in Taybeh and elsewhere throughout the West Bank,” the statement urges. “This is clearly part of the systematic attacks against Christians that we see unfolding throughout the region.” Read the full statement See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland