In a statement, the World Council of Churches executive committee has acknowledged the profound challenges affecting the Holy Land. The statement acknowledges the "theological witness" of Christians in Palestine, which offers an important contribution to Christian reflection on faith, human rights, peacebuilding, and reconciliation.

Following is the text of the statement dated June 10, 2026:

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair. (2 Corinthians 4:8) 

“The executive committee of the World Council of Churches, meeting online 8 to 12 June 2026, notes with regret that it was unable to gather in Bethlehem as originally planned. This reality itself reflects the profound challenges affecting the Holy Land today, where the Israeli occupation, entry restrictions, conflicts, wars and insecurity have significantly curtailed access to Palestine, preventing many pilgrims, church delegations, and worshippers from visiting the places central to the Christian faith and from accompanying the local churches in their witness and ministry. 

“Yet even amid these challenges, the executive committee wishes first and foremost to affirm the steadfast witness of the Palestinian Christian community, whose presence in the land of Christ's birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection remains a living testimony of faith, hope, and resilience. 

“For generations, Palestinian Christians have maintained their commitment to their land, their churches, and their vocation as peacemakers despite occupation, displacement, discrimination, and economic hardship. Their continued presence is not merely a demographic reality, but a spiritual witness rooted in the Gospel and in the conviction that justice, reconciliation, and human dignity are inseparable from authentic peace. 

“The executive committee recognizes the emergence and development of a Palestinian Christian theology shaped by their distinct lived experience and grounded in Scripture, which affirms steadfastness, nonviolence, hope, justice, and the equal God-given dignity of all people. This theological witness enriches the global ecumenical movement and offers an important contribution to Christian reflection on faith, human rights, peacebuilding, and reconciliation in contexts of conflict and oppression. 

“At the same time, the executive committee remains deeply concerned by continuing restrictions affecting freedom of worship and access to holy sites, particularly in Jerusalem and during major religious celebrations. Such restrictions undermine rights protected under international human rights law, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 

“The executive committee further notes with concern increasing incidents of harassment, intimidation, violence, and desecration directed against Christian clergy, worshippers, institutions, and communities, particularly in Jerusalem. Such actions threaten both the safety of individuals and the future viability of the indigenous Christian presence in the Holy Land. 

“The continuing decline in the Christian population of Jerusalem and wider Palestine due to occupation and oppression should be regarded as a matter of urgent concern for churches worldwide. 

“Therefore, the executive committee: 

“Reaffirms the right to freedom of religion, worship, and access to holy sites for all people without discrimination. 

“Calls upon Israeli authorities to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and to ensure safe and unimpeded access to places of worship. 

“Condemns all acts of harassment, intimidation, violence, desecration, and incitement directed against Christian communities, clergy, worshippers, and holy sites. 

“Expresses grave concern over the continuing erosion of the indigenous Christian presence in the Holy Land and affirms that these communities are an integral and irreplaceable part of the region's historical, cultural, spiritual, and social fabric. 

“Encourages churches worldwide to listen to, accompany, and amplify the voices of Palestinian Christians and to engage seriously with their theological witness and experience. 

“Calls upon the international community to support conditions that enable Palestinian Christians and all communities of the Holy Land to live in security, dignity, equality, self-determination, and peace. 

“Invites WCC member churches and ecumenical partners to continue praying, supporting and working for justice, peace, reconciliation, and the flourishing of the living Christian communities of the Holy Land.”