Church Leaders Denounce Christian Zionism
Senior Orthodox and Catholic leaders in Jerusalem released a joint statement criticizing Christian Zionism as a damaging ideology. The declaration, signed on January 17 by the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, emphasized their exclusive authority to speak on behalf of Christians in the Holy Land. They warned that Christian Zionist efforts mislead believers, promote confusion, and risk weakening Christian unity across the region.
Concerns Over Political and Foreign Influence
The church leaders expressed alarm at local individuals and foreign groups who promote Christian Zionist ideas while receiving backing from political actors in Israel and abroad. They argued that such partnerships may jeopardize the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Without naming events, the statement appeared to refer to recent gatherings, such as the Friends of Zion Ambassadors Summit, which drew over 1,000 American Christian leaders to Israel.
Statement Defends Apostolic Authority
Citing Romans, the church leaders insisted that only the historic apostolic churches have the pastoral mandate to guide Christians in the Holy Land. They criticized external actors for what they called interference in church matters and affirmed that only the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have the authority to represent their flocks in religious and communal life.
Huckabee Pushes Back on Exclusivity
Former Arkansas Governor and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee responded forcefully, challenging the statement’s implications. In a social media post, Huckabee said no sect should claim sole authority to represent global Christianity. He defended Christian Zionism as a biblical conviction, not a political agenda, and said the term is often misused to marginalize evangelical voices.
Calls for Unity Despite Differences
Huckabee emphasized shared Christian values, including the sanctity of life, grace, and the alleviation of human suffering. He called for mutual respect among denominations and urged unity despite theological and cultural differences. Supporters of Huckabee praised his inclusive tone, but critics warned that his stance could deepen divisions between local churches and international Christian groups.
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Huckabee Pushes Back After Jerusalem Church Leaders Criticize Christian Zionism
Photo by Taylor Brandon on Unsplash
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