Middle East Christians
The history of Christianity in the Middle East and the living church in the region that continues to this day.
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 |
Arab Christians and relations with the West
Arab Christians have played a unique and vital role in the history of the Middle East.This history is well worth remembering in the current context when again the confrontation between the Arab World and the West utilizes religious terms and is presented as a struggle between Western Christianity and Islam.
by Jonathan Kuttab
Dare We Hope?
Twelve-year-old Ahmad El-Khatib was killed by Israeli forces, and yet he brought life to Israeli and Druze children who received his donated organs. Samia Khoury finds cause for both hope and concern in recent headlines from the Middle East of more violence, new leadership, and the vision of those working for peace.
By Samia Khoury
