NCC Executive Board Adopts Resolution on the Patriarch of Jerusalem

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
Executive Board
Resolution-Recognizing the Patriarch of Jerusalem
Approved Unanimously
October 7, 2002

WHEREAS the Executive Board of the National Council of Churches, meeting on Monday, October 7, 2002, expressed serious concern about the ongoing failure of the Government of Israel to recognize the canonical election in August 2001 of His Beatitude Irenaios, the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

And,

WHEREAS the venerable and ancient Patriarchate of Jerusalem is unable to function as a legal entity in Israel, and is thus unable to oversee properly the Holy Shrines and property under its jurisdiction and to operate the schools, hospitals and other institutions through which it serves Greek Orthodox Christians in the Holy Land.

And,

WHEREAS Orthodoxy worldwide and the larger Christian community have been waiting more than one year for this recognition and finds the delay inexcusable.

Therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Executive Board of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA respectfully calls upon its communions and the U.S. government to press the government of the State of Israel to recognize the canonically elected Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Irenaios, without further delay, thus evidencing its respect for the centuries-old rights of the Patriarchate as well as the rights of the Christian community at large.

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