Patriarchate of Jerusalem: Heads of Churches met with United Kingdom Foreign Secretary James Cleverly

Tuesday evening, at the British Residence in Jerusalem, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met with Church leaders representing various churches in the Holy Land, and Archbishop Aristarchos represented Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem in this meeting.

The Church leaders discussed the important role the churches play in promoting coexistence and keeping harmony in the Holy City, including the services provided through education and healthcare throughout the Holy Land.

Threats and challenges facing the Christian community in the Holy Land and in Jerusalem particularly, were also raised with the Foreign Minister, including the National Park expansion in the Mount of Olives, rising hate crimes, and attacks on Churches properties and how to confront them.

This gathering follows an All Party Parliamentary Group meeting on Christianity in the Holy Land earlier that day in London, signifying the UK’s commitment to Christians in the region.

Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem