Jerusalem Declaration on Christian Zionism

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The Jerusalem Declaration on Christian Zionism is a document signed on behalf of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (Catholic), the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. It is dated August 22, 2006. The Declaration does reject Christian Zionism, concluding that it is a "false teaching that corrupts the biblical message of love, justice and reconciliation."[1][2] All of the above Churches in support of the Declaration are local and include Palestinian Christians.

Several reasons are given, among them the following. "The Christian Zionist programme provides a worldview where the Gospel is identified with the ideology of empire, colonialism and militarism. In its extreme form, it places an emphasis on apocalyptic events leading to the end of history rather than living Christ's love and justice today." "We call upon Christians in Churches on every continent to pray for the Palestinian and Israeli people."

The Jerusalem Declaration cites Micah 6:8, "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." Also, 2nd Corinthians 5:19, "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting sins against the sinners. He has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation." It begins with a quotation from Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God."

The Jerusalem Declaration condemns current Christian Zionist support for the territorial expansion of Israel, but affirms "Israelis and Palestinians are capable of living together within peace, justice and security". It supports non-violent resistance as the "most effective means to end the illegal occupation in order to attain a just and lasting peace".

In general terms, the Jerusalem Declaration rejects "Christian Zionism" for substituting a political-military program in place of the teachings of Jesus Christ.[3] The teachings of Scripture are interpreted to center on "love, justice, and reconciliation".[4][5]


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See also[edit]

Christian Zionism: "Disapproval by other Churches"