CLERICAL FISTICUFFS IN JERUSALEM: AN UNFORTUNATE LEGACY
Catholic Culture
Nov 11 2008
The violent confrontation between Greek Orthodox and Armenian
Apostolic monks inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre this week was
unfortunately not a rare lapse. For generations, clerics of different
denominations have engaged in a bitter struggle for control of the
basilica, forcing Muslims and Jews to act as peacemakers. The current
agreement, under which the rival monks share control, dates back
to the Ottoman empire. It has frequently broken down. BBC’s Michael
Hirst provides the background.