Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem over the weekend, issued a formal statement rejecting Christian Zionism and condemning unauthorized claims to represent Christian communities in the Holy Land.
The statement, released by the Jerusalem Patriarchate and endorsed by the Custodia of the Holy Land, affirms that the flock of Christ in the Holy Land is entrusted solely to the Apostolic Churches—historical Christian communities that have served the region for centuries. These churches emphasize that pastoral care and representation of Christians in the Holy Land are ecclesiastical responsibilities, not subject to political or individual agendas.
Christian Zionism is a "damaging ideology" that misleads the public, sows confusion, and undermines the unity of the faithful.
The movement is accused of being supported by political actors in Israel and abroad, who use it to advance agendas that threaten the Christian presence in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Unauthorized representation of Christians—especially by individuals or groups promoting Christian Zionism—is condemned as interference in the internal affairs of the churches and a violation of the pastoral authority of the Patriarchs.
The statement warns that such actions "wound the unity of the faithful" and burden the historic churches’ mission in the land where Jesus lived, taught, suffered, and rose from the dead.
The Patriarchs reaffirm that they alone are authorized to speak on matters of religious, communal, and pastoral life for Christians in the Holy Land.
This is not the first time such a stance has been taken. In August 2006, a landmark Jerusalem Declaration on Christian Zionism was issued by leaders including Patriarch Michel Sabbah (Latin Catholic), Syriac Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran bishops. They labeled Christian Zionism a "false teaching" that corrupts the biblical message of love, justice, and reconciliation.
The 2026 statement follows growing concerns over recent events, including a large delegation of over 1,000 American evangelical leaders visiting Israel in December 2025 and performing religious rituals at the Al-Buraq Wall in Al-Aqsa Mosque, a move widely condemned by local Christian leaders.
Conservatives React To Jerusalem Church Patriarchs' Statement Against Christian Zionism
Critics argue that Christian Zionism, which ties the re-establishment of Israel to biblical prophecy and the Second Coming of Christ, distorts Scripture and promotes racial exclusivity, Jewish supremacy and political militarism, contrary to the Gospel’s call for universal love and peace.
The Catholic Church, through documents like Nostra Aetate (1965), affirms the enduring covenant with the Jewish people but rejects any theological endorsement of modern political Zionism. The Church teaches that "the Church is Israel"—a spiritual entity, not a nation-state.
Indigenous Christian communities in the Holy Land face demographic decline, Jewish settler violence, unjust taxation, and restricted access to holy sites. The Patriarchs view Christian Zionism as a threat to their identity, unity, and survival—especially when such ideologies receive official welcome from Israeli and international political figures.
The debate underscores a growing rift between indigenous Christian leadership in the Holy Land and evangelical Christian political movements in the United States, with implications for both religious unity and international policy.
Prominent conservative commentators, such as Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens have echoed concerns raised by the Jerusalem leaders, warning American Christians against the influence of pro-Israel conservative factions within the MAGA movement. In a notable interview in August 2025, Carlson highlighted the dangers of Christian Zionism being used to advance political agendas that undermine the dignity and rights of Palestinians.
Some conservative religious leaders, including Dr. Reverend Stephen Sizer, have criticized British nationalist figures like Tommy Robinson for hijacking Christianity to promote a pro-Israel, anti-Muslim agenda. Sizer said that such individuals do not follow Christ, emphasizing that their actions contradict core Christian values like love for the stranger and foreigner.
Critics within the broader conservative movement, including some traditionalist and theological scholars, argue that the Jerusalem statement reflects a legitimate concern about the politicization of faith. They warn that Christian Zionism, when tied to American foreign policy and military support for Israel, risks distorting the gospel message of universal love, justice, and reconciliation.
