Document
The World Council of Churches expresses the gravest concern at plans and initiatives for the development of yet another Israeli settlement in the West Bank, in the Ush Ghurab area, next to Beit Sahour. This development would further isolate Beit Sahour, accelerate the confiscation of Palestinian land, and threaten the future presence of one of the oldest and largest remaining Christian communities in the Holy Land. It is part of an all too familiar story, of illegal settlements subsequently being officially recognized by the Israeli authorities and expanded, dispossessing Palestinians of their lands and rights, deepening the illegal occupation and settler violence and harassment, and undermining the future of Palestinian communities – including Palestinian Christians – in areas controlled by Israel.
We call for this settlement project to be halted immediately, and we urge churches, Christians and all people of conscience and good will around the world to raise their voices against it and the whole policy of dispossession and displacement of which it is part. We appeal to the Israeli authorities, responsible governments and international institutions to act in accordance with international law, and to prevent this looming threat to the indigenous Christian presence in the land of Christ’s birth, ministry, death and resurrection.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General secretary
World Council of Churches
