THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN THE HOLY LAND

Since the time of Jesus Christ there has been a consistent albeit at times a small community of witnesses in the Holy Land. The 2nd century saw significant erosion of the Christian community due somewhat to the ongoing conflicts between the Jews and Rome. The faith blossomed in the 3rd century when Emporer Constantine declared it to be "the" religion of the land. Hence began much growth and numerous internal conflicts resulting in divisions which last to this day. In 614AD the Persians invaded, destroying many churches, and this was quickly followed by the Muslim conquest from the south. By and large the Christian community was allowed to worship unmolested by the Islamic authorities. But there were times of persecution too, and in the course of time many of the Christians of the land converted to Islam. Ironically the Palestinian Christian Church probably suffered more at the hands of fellow Christians, during the Crusades, when invading armies of Western Christendom slew not only Jews and Muslims but also the indigenous believers of the Eastern Churches.

Throughout the past century the Christian community has faced upheavals that have threatened its existence. Many fled during the events surrounding the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. Many other Christians have emigrated since then, in face of the economic and political hardships caused by life as a minority in Israel, or under military occupation in the West Bank or Gaza. Today, Christians make up only 2% of the population in Israel. Yet, through its many diverse traditions the Christian community maintains a vital witness to the Man from Nazareth.

Many Christian leaders are involved in organizations which support the people in facing issues of justice and peace.

Most of the local Christians are Palestinian Arabs (85%). Here you will find the Greek Orthodox Church (the largest Christian Church), the Oriental or Eastern Orthodox Church (Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian and Syrian Churches), the Greek Catholic Church (second largest church), the Latin (Roman Catholic) Church, and a smattering of Protestant Churches (Presbyterian, Episcopal, Lutheran, evangelical groups).

Interestingly, there are a number of small communities of "Jewish believers." Most would not call themselves Christians, but Messianic or "fulfilled" Jews. They believe that Jesus was the fulfillment of the long-awaited Messiah. They observe Jewish religious laws, festivals and traditions and the Jewish Sabbath in varying degrees. Under Israeli law they are regarded as no longer being "Jewish" on account of their faith in Jesus and they tend not to be well accepted by traditional local Christian communities, hence they live a difficult life and many have suffered social ostracism and legal disadvantage as a result of their beliefs.

What I have already learned is that living out one's faith is often not easy! I know, tell you something you don't already know......