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Patriarch of Jerusalem spoke at the annual International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington DC

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem attended on Monday morning , 30 January 2023, the opening session for the annual International Religious Freedom Summit (IRF) held in Washington DC, United States.

Being a main speaker at this summit, representing his fellow Church leaders as well as the faithful communities of the Holy Land, His Beatitude utilised the joint statement published yesterday by the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem regarding the increasing cycle of violence in the Holy Land, “we have been constantly warning of an exploding, senseless cycle of violence that will only cause hurt and suffering to everyone. Such a state of affairs will almost certainly bring further atrocities and anguish, driving us away from the much sought-after peace and stability that we all seek.”

Towards the end of his speech, His Beatitude called on Members of the Congress and leaders of American civil society to support the Christian existence in the Holy Land to thrive alongside other communities, highlighting that although “we are small in number but large in the mission” and to ensure that the upcoming generations would be able to visit the Holy City and walk in the footsteps of the Prophets and Christ, and be welcomed not only by stones “but by a vibrant Christian presence.”

The IRF summit of 2023 is going to be held for three days in Washington D.C., starting January 31st and ending on February 1st.

Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem