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Middle East Christians
The history of Christianity in the Middle East and the living church in the region that continues to this day.
Tuesday Video File: Maria Khoury on Palestinian Christians, Interview with Leonard Rogers of Venture International on Sounds of Hope Conference
Christians in Palestine from Calvin College on Vimeo.
Sounds of Hope (2006) from EMEU on Vimeo.
Miracle of Holy Fire in Jerusalem
by Maria C. Khoury
April 26, 2008 - Pilgrims from all over the world gathered in Jerusalem today to witness the greatest of all miracles-the Miracle of the Holy Fire. The miracle has turned into a magnificent cultural event but many simply could not get anywhere near the Holy Sepulchre. The soldiers, the police, the large crowds, the noise, the drums of the Boys Scouts and the Girl Scouts anxiously waiting to receive the Holy Fire from the Life Giving Tomb of Christ is a day long adventure. It was a miracle in itself that Sam and Janet from our Sister Parish, Annunciation Church in Little Rock attended.
Elias Chacour, Noted Peace Activist, Named Archbishop in Israel
Over the years, Elias Chacour has gone head-to-head with local politicians, Israeli government officials and even leaders of his church who stood in the way of his vision and his projects to better the lives of his people. He has led marches to Jerusalem protesting treatment of Palestinians, faced down Israeli military, stubbornly continued to re-plant uprooted olive trees and to proceed with construction plans for his school despite government refusals for permits. In February that same priest became the first native Palestinian who is also an Israeli citizen to be named the Melkite Catholic archbishop of Israel.
By Patricia Lynn Morrison
Once Again, Double Standards
"No contacts with the Palestinian Authority." These were the instructions of the U.S. administration and the European governments. How brutal and unfair! Once again, the double standard by which the U.S. deals with the Palestinians vis a vis Israel creates more ill feelings and bitterness and pushes away the possibility of peace in the region.
by Samia Khoury
Are You Surprised?: A Reflection on the Palestinian Elections
The results of the Palestinian elections reflect voters' frustration at Fatah's failure to arrive at a political solution for Palestine's problems and disappointment in the performance of the Palestinian Authority. They furthermore reflect the will of the people to maintain their threatened identity amidst an onslaught of foreign hegemony. Religion, being an integral part of the ethos of any community, becomes a natural refuge under these circumstances.
Bethlehem Voices: Hopes and Fears
 After Christians around the world sing "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" and sit in crowded church pews to hear about the wondrous birth of Christ 2005 years ago, they should also talk about Jesus' relatives living in Bethlehem today-and then plan a trip to meet them tomorrow. These days only a few pilgrims brave Israeli checkpoints to visit Jesus' birthplace. Without tourists, Bethlehemites are hungry, exhausted and losing hope. |
Sabeel Conference Considers Economic Leverage as Tool to Fight Israeli Occupation
 For decades North American and European churches have composed countless, careful statements on the conflict in Palestine/Israel. Finally, some Christian denominations have crossed the great divide from making statements condemning the occupation to taking action that could result in economic consequences for corporations profiting from it. And the movement is growing. One Haaretz headline called it the "divestment snowball."by Sister Elaine Kelley |
