His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and the convener of the Council of Churches, received today a parliamentary delegation from Wales, consisting of H.E. Mr. Darren Miller, Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister for Constitution and International Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Russell George, Shadow Minister for Health in the Parliament.
Attending the meeting were also Mr. Youssef Barakat, member of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, and Mr. Raed Hanania, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Committee.
His Beatitude informed the visiting parliamentary delegation of the challenges faced by Christians in the Holy Land, particularly in Jerusalem, and the impact of Israeli radicals and the declining numbers of Christians. Furthermore, His Beatitude addressed the attacks endured by religious figures and sacred sites at the hands of members of the Israeli radical groups.
His Beatitude and his guests emphasized the necessity of continued work, cooperation, and support for all initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of Christians in their homeland. In this context, the delegation visited Jaffa Gate area and Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Square, accompanied by representatives of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. A detailed explanation was provided to the parliamentarian guests regarding Israeli plans concerning this vital area, which serves as the pilgrim route and the main entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, main monasteries, and the Christian quarter of Jerusalem. The delegation also received an overview of attempts by Israeli radicals to gain control over the Petra and Imperial hotels.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to foster dialogue, promote understanding, and ensure the safeguarding of the Christian heritage in the Holy Land. His Beatitude expressed gratitude for the parliamentary delegation’s visit and their expressed dedication to supporting the preservation of Christian presence and cultural legacy in this sacred land.
