The Jordan Times, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
 Friday


Jerusalem church leaders warn against changing city's status quo



By JT - Jul 21,2017 - Last updated at Jul 21,2017

AMMAN — Heads of churches in Jerusalem on Thursday warned against any
changes to the historical status quo in Jerusalem as the city
continues to witness tensions.

In a statement, a copy of which was e-mailed to The Jordan Times, an
array of Christian leaders, led by Patriarch Theophilos III of the
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, expressed "serious concern regarding
recent escalation in violent developments around [Al Haram Al Sharif]
and our grief for the loss of human life, and strongly condemn any act
of violence".

The tension followed a shootout between Palestinian armed men and
occupation forces near the compound, resulting in the death of three
Palestinians, from 1948 Palestine, and two Israeli soldiers. Israel
closed down Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and before opening it,
it imposed strict security measures that were rejected by Palestinians
and their supporters.

"We are worried about any change to the historical situation [status
quo] at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and its courtyard, and in
the holy city of Jerusalem. Any threat to its continuity and integrity
could easily lead to serious and unpredictable consequences, which
would be most unwelcome in the present tense religious climate," the
statement said.

The church leaders value the custodianship of the Hashemite Kingdom of
Jordan on Al Aqsa Mosque and the holy places in Jerusalem and the Holy
Land, "which guarantees the right for all Muslims to free access and
worship to Al Aqsa Mosque according to the prevailing status quo."

The statement concluded with renewing the call that "the historical
status quo governing these sites be fully respected, for the sake of
peace and reconciliation to the whole community, and we pray for a
just and lasting peace in the whole region and all its peoples".

Signatories also included Patriarch Nourhan Manougian of the Armenian
Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa
the Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate, Fr. Francesco
Patton, OFM, Custos of the Holy Land, Archbishop Anba Antonious of
Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, Jerusalem, Archbishop Swerios Malki
Murad of the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate, Archbishop Aba Embakob of
Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate, Greek-Melkite-Catholic Archbishop
Joseph-Jules Zerey, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate's Archbishop Mosa
El Hage, Archbishop Suheil Dawani of the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem
and the Middle East, Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.

Also among the signatories were Bishop Pierre Malki of the Syrian
Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate and Msgr. Georges Dankaye' of the
Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate.

In a related development, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday
during a phone call discussed the latest developments in Al Aqsa
Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif situation with the High Representative of
the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica
Mogherini.

Safadi warned of the consequences of the continuing tension that must
be dealt with by Israel's respect for the historical and legal status
of Jerusalem's holy places. He renewed a demand for full and immediate
opening of Al Aqsa Mosque to worshippers and the cancellation of all
the one-sided steps taken by Israel.

He stressed that the Kingdom is exerting intensive efforts led by His
Majesty King Abdullah to restore calm and end the crisis in a manner
that guarantees security, stability and respect for Israel.

He stressed the need for common efforts by the international community
to end the escalation by working to remove the causes of tension
represented by Israel's actions.