In solidarity for the respect of Holy Places

Posted on Oct 16, 2012 in Dialogue, Interreligious dialogue

JERUSALEM – In appreciation of the many gestures of solidarity from the Muslim world following the recent desecration of Christian Holy Places, the Auxiliary Bishop of Jerusalem, Bishop William Shomali, visited Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday, October 4 where he met Grand Mufti Mohammad Hussein and the grand magistrate of the mosque Abdel Adhim Salhab.

This highly symbolic meeting was held on the Temple Mount, the third holiest place in Islam. Bishop Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for the Latins in Jerusalem, expressed his gratitude to the Grand Mufti and Magistrate for the many Muslims who came to show their support following the recent desecration of Christian Holy Places (at the Abbey of Latrun on September 4 and at the Franciscan Convent of Mount Zion on October 2).

The Bishop also assured Muslims the support of the Christian community with respect to their holy places. Finally, on a more general note, Bishop Shomali expressed the solidarity of Christians against every action to desecrate religious symbols or figures – such as the infamous movie “The Innocence of Muslims.”

Orthodox Archbishop Atallah Hanna was also present during this visit along with two priests from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Father George Ayub, Chancellor and the Father Issa Hijazeen.