Church leaders in the Holy Land have spoken out about an increase in anti-Christian incidents – including attacks on holy sites, schools and even funeral processions.
In a joint statement by the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, a copy of which was sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), they decried the troubles affecting the lives of the faithful during these “tumultuous times”.
The Easter message stated: “For over the past year, some of our churches, funeral processions, and places of public gathering have become targets of attack; some of our holy sites and cemeteries have been desecrated; and some of our ancient liturgies, such as the Palm Sunday Procession and the Holy Fire Ceremony, have been closed off to thousands of worshipers. This is in spite of our agreements to cooperate with the governing authorities, and to accommodate any reasonable requests that they might present.” ACN’s 2022 Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians oppressed for their Faith stated that there were
182,000 Christians in Israel in 2021, according to its Central Bureau of Statistics.
While the overall Christian population of Israel is growing – increasing by 1.4 percent in 2021 – in the Palestinian Territories historic Christian communities continue to decline.
Before the State of Israel was established in 1948, Christians made up 18 percent of the population of the West Bank – that figure is now less than 1 percent.
Reasons for emigration are various, including concerns about discrimination in employment, militant groups and restrictions on movement caused by the West Bank Barrier which gives rise to major economic problems.
The Holy Land and the whole Middle East is a priority for ACN. Projects there aim to help the Church to survive and grow in the land of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and
Saviour. The charity has been helping support seminarians, priests, Christian education (catechesis), church construction and repairs and support for poor families.
Read more here.
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ACN Interview
The long Good Friday with John Pontifex
John Pontifex, Head of Press and Information at ACN (UK), discusses the organisation's history and current urgent work to support persecuted Christians with the Catholic Herald’s Dr Gavin Ashenden in a podcast interview Merely Catholic. Listen to the interview and learn more how ACN was founded after World War II and began reaching out to Christians suffering behind the Iron Curtain. Since then, the work has expanded to more than 130 countries. John also shares his recent visit to Pakistan, where Christians face ongoing discrimination, harassment and persecution.
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Ukraine Appeal
Still supporting Seminarians
Even before the start of the war, support for seminarians was one of the top priorities for ACN. Thanks to your love, almost 800 seminarians have been supported over the last year. Many of the seminaries helped
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ACN Event
Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass
16th Jun 2023 19:00 - 20:30
Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception
114 Mount Street London W1K 3AH
Celebrate with us as we pay tribute to our amazing project partners from all over the globe! With a beautiful choir, reflective readings and an uplifting Holy Mass, we'll sing praises to God and give thanks to you, our generous benefactors. Father Dominic Robinson will offer a Holy Mass for your intentions. Don't miss out on the chance to mingle, enjoy some cake and raise a glass to 'One Faith, One Family, One ACN Heart'! Join us in person or online, and let's make this Benefactors' Day one to remember. From your friends at Aid to the Church in Need, we wish you a joyous celebration!
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