Jerusalem / PNN /

Senior Christian leaders in Jerusalem have warned against outside political and ideological interference they say threatens the unity and future of Christianity in the Holy Land, singling out “Christian Zionism” and political actors linked to Israel.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem said recent activities by local individuals promoting what they described as “damaging ideologies, such as Christian Zionism,” have misled the public, sown confusion and harmed the unity of Christian communities.

The church leaders said these efforts have received backing from “certain political actors in Israel and beyond,” accusing them of advancing agendas that could undermine the Christian presence not only in the Holy Land but across the wider Middle East.

The warning comes amid growing concern among Palestinian Christians that Israeli policies — including land confiscation, settlement expansion and pressure on church-owned property — are accelerating the decline of one of the world’s oldest Christian communities.

A powerful current of evangelical Christianity in the United States continues to shape political and financial support for Israel, drawing increasing concern from church leaders in Jerusalem. Many Christian Zionists also subscribe to the “prosperity gospel,” a belief that supporting Israel brings personal and financial reward.

Critics say such beliefs translate into financial donations and political backing for Israel’s settlement enterprise, entrenching the occupation while marginalising Palestinian Christians and weakening the historic churches of the Holy Land.

The patriarchs said they were “deeply concerned” that individuals promoting these agendas have been received at official levels locally and internationally, describing such engagement as interference in the internal life of the churches.

“These actions constitute an intrusion into the internal affairs of the churches,” the statement said, accusing outside actors of disregarding the authority and responsibility of Jerusalem’s historic Christian leadership.

Threats to Christian presence

The statement did not specify the events that prompted the warning. However, a recent report by the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem cited ongoing threats to Christian heritage, particularly in Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, alongside concerns over unjustified taxation.

The report warned that settler attacks are increasingly targeting Christian churches, communities and properties across the West Bank, and called for urgent measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship.

On Wednesday, a senior Palestinian church body condemned Israeli restrictions that prevent teachers from the occupied West Bank from reaching schools in occupied East Jerusalem, warning that Christian education is under direct threat.

The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine said Israeli authorities have sharply curtailed work permits for West Bank teachers, disrupting classes and denying hundreds of students their right to education.

The committee said the restrictions have delayed the start of the second school term and paralysed the education process, particularly affecting Christian institutions in Jerusalem.

According to the committee, Israel’s permit system and military checkpoints are being used to block teachers from reaching classrooms, restrict movement and weaken educational institutions. It said these measures amount to collective punishment and reflect racial discrimination prohibited under international law.