World Council of Churches Stands with Armenian Patriarchate as Property Faces Foreclosure

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has expressed strong support for the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which is currently facing the threat of foreclosure due to a disputed municipal tax debt. The general secretary of the WCC, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, has condemned the foreclosure order issued by the Municipality of Jerusalem, calling it a violation of religious freedom and the historic agreements that govern the Holy Sites of the city.

In a public statement, Rev. Prof. Dr. Pillay described the foreclosure as an attack on religious freedom and an attempt to undermine Christian institutions in Jerusalem. He emphasized that the Armenian Patriarchate has played a crucial role for centuries in preserving the religious and cultural heritage of the Holy Land.

“For centuries, the Armenian Patriarchate, alongside other Christian institutions, has safeguarded the sacred heritage of the Holy Land, serving as a beacon of faith, community service, and justice,” Pillay said.

He further warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent that could put other Christian institutions in Jerusalem at risk.

“This reckless action is part of a wider pattern of increasing pressures, land disputes, and acts of intimidation targeting Christian communities in the Holy City—acts that the WCC has repeatedly condemned,” he stated.

The WCC has urged the Israeli government to halt the foreclosure proceedings and respect the internationally recognized Status Quo of Jerusalem. This agreement, which has been in place for centuries, protects the rights and properties of religious communities in the city.

Pillay also called on global religious and political leaders to step in and defend Christian communities in the Holy Land. He stressed the need for Jerusalem to remain a place where all people, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and worship freely.

“The World Council of Churches reaffirms its unwavering commitment to justice and peace in the Holy Land,” he declared. “We will continue to advocate, to accompany, and to raise our voice in defense of the sacred heritage and dignity of all people in the Holy Land.”

The Armenian Patriarchate’s legal battle stems from a municipal tax debt that has allegedly accumulated since 1994. If the court rejects its appeal, the Municipality of Jerusalem could seize and auction off Armenian Church properties that have been in the community’s possession for centuries.

In response to the foreclosure order, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem have released a joint statement expressing their full support for the Armenian Patriarchate. They are calling for justice and urging authorities to overturn the decision.

Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, has formally addressed the issue in a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In the letter, he urges the government to intervene and prevent the foreclosure, emphasizing the importance of protecting Christian heritage in the Holy City.

A court hearing on the matter is scheduled for February 24, 2025. However, the Armenian Patriarchate has been informed that the session might be canceled due to poor weather conditions. A final decision on whether the hearing will proceed is expected to be announced on Sunday.