JERUSALEM, DEC. 19, 2001 (ZENIT.org–Fides).- Hope is stronger than violence, and joy is greater than «suffering and sadness» because of Jesus, says the Christmas message of the 13 patriarchs and heads of Churches in Jerusalem.
Thursday morning Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah will officially present the message bearing the signatures of 13 Christian leaders. Those leaders include Greek Orthodox Patriarch Irenaeus, Armenian Orthodox Patriarch Torkom, Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Swerios, Holy Land Custodian Father Giovanni Battistelli, Anglican Bishop Abu El Assal and Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan.
These leaders are aware that this year Christmas falls at a moment in which «time and time again hope is raised» only to be dashed by daily events, with actions that are «contrary to the will of God and the teaching of Our Lord Jesus Christ.»
They urge political leaders to «start a new era of justice and peace» with Palestinians and Israelis enjoying safety and tranquility «within recognized borders.»
Recently the Catholic bishops of the region met with John Paul II in Rome to discuss the future of Christians in the Holy Land. At the end of Ramadan, the Christians leaders visited Yasser Arafat in Ramallah.
In their message the church leaders encourage Christians worldwide to pray «for peace and justice» and call on the international community to have the «courage» to take and implement the right decisions.
The message also urges local Christians not to emigrate and to find comfort and joy in the faith: «stand firm in faith and rooted in your land with the fullness of Christmas joy in your hearts. God gave us Jesus born in Bethlehem´s stable. He taught us to see God´s will through what happens about us.» Despite «all the suffering,» it says, «we want to celebrate this Christmas with joy!»
