Holy Land bishops reject Christian Zionism -- "Jerusalem Declaration"

[pnwmom]

http://www.rawstory.com/showarticle.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Freuters.myway.com%2Farticle%2F20060831%2F2006-08-31T175305Z_01_L31169813_RTRIDST_0_INTERNATIONAL-MIDEAST-RELIGION-DC.html

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The Vatican's envoy in the Holy Land and bishops from three other churches have launched a rare joint attack on the Christian Zionist movement, accusing it of promoting "racial exclusivity and perpetual war."

Christian Zionists form a growing part of the pro-Israel lobby in the United States, the Jewish state's main ally. They believe the return of Jews to the Holy Land and establishment of Israel are proof of God's promises to biblical patriarchs. . . .


The "Jerusalem Declaration on Christian Zionism" was signed by Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah, a Palestinian, and by bishops of the Episcopal, Evangelical Lutheran and Syrian Orthodox Churches in Jerusalem.

Many Christian Zionists are evangelical Protestants, and the declaration is a sign of a growing struggle between the groups.

"The Christian Zionist programme provides a world view where the Gospel is identified with the ideology of empire, colonialism and militarism," said the declaration, accusing Christian Zionists of hurting hopes for Middle East peace.

SNIP

[pooja]

1. I don't usually agree with the Pope, but peace is an actual goal I think

Jesus had in mind (not that Catholicism hasn't had its holy wars in the past)

[DeSwiss]

2. pooja I agree with you...

...I can't think of any pronouncements from the Vatican in a number of years that I would agree with. Most have been self-serving and designed more to extend and solidify their control over people's lives rather than enrich them. And with the revelations of the scandals of sexual abuse by preists, they've lost all possible moral authority as far as I'm concerned. I'm just surprised that they have any parishioners left at all.

But I also see this condemnation as a power play. The Evangelicals and Christian Zionists have gain in power in the US and in Israel. That has to come at other religious groups (mainly the Vatican's) expense. Its all about power with these guys.

So while I agree with the point, the reason for their motivation is suspect. IMO.