In a joint statement, patriarchs and church leaders in Jerusalem warn against Christian Zionism. Here is a commentary by Josias Terschüren, head of the Politics and Society department at Christians Standing with Israel (CSI).
A cryptic statement issued by the patriarchs of the churches in Jerusalem on January 17th has sparked a debate, particularly in the United States, about replacement theology and Christian Zionism. In their vague letter, the church representatives criticize the "activities of local individuals" who promote harmful ideologies such as Christian Zionism, mislead the public, sow confusion, and damage the unity of the flock. These individuals, they claim, find resonance with political actors in Israel and beyond who pursue an agenda that harms the Christian presence in the Holy Land and the Middle East.
This vague “unword from Jerusalem” is a smear letter. Neither perpetrators nor specific activities are named – only two unsubstantiated accusations remain: that Christian Zionism is harmful, and that Israel pursues an anti-Christian agenda. Both are absurd upon closer examination.
While Christians in Syria are forced to fight and are persecuted and massacred in Iran, Israel—the only state in the region that guarantees freedom of religion and expression and protects Christians—is being attacked. In Lebanon, Syria, and other Muslim countries, Christian communities have been shrinking for decades, while in Israel they are growing. Yes, there are tensions, spitting attacks, and arson, but the majority of society and the state condemn and prosecute these acts.
Nothing harmful
Christian Zionism takes God at his word and is based on the biblical promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants. It simply supports the God-given right of the Jewish people to have their own state and to live in their ancestral homeland, Eretz Israel. There is nothing wrong with that.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, an evangelical Christian, wrote respectfully on X: No religious community should speak for all Christians worldwide or claim a single view of the Holy Land.
The evangelical satirist Joel Berry (The Babylon Bee) added pointedly:
- First: Without the protection of Zionism, they (the patriarchs) would be dead – churches burned down, holy sites destroyed, women raped, communities beheaded.
- Secondly, the patriarchs openly cooperated with Hamas and PA propaganda to obtain protection in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel's protection was unconditional, while that of the Palestinians depended on anti-Israel positions.
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) also disagreed: its Zionism is purely biblically based, reflects sincere convictions, and pursues no political goals. It regretted that the patriarchs chose to go through the media instead of first seeking fraternal dialogue.
Not good company
The statement appears to be an attempt to drive a wedge between evangelical Christians and Israel—and thus weaken the power base of Donald Trump's MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, in which evangelicals play a key role. The patriarchs are thereby aligning themselves with voices of formerly conservative influencers like Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Nick Fuentes, who openly express antisemitic views and attack Christian Zionism. Not good company.
This commentary first appeared in the Protestant weekly magazine IDEA.
