Faith Facts

• The Heads of Churches of Jerusalem warn against false groups claiming to represent local Christians but promoting political agendas.
• Recognized Evangelical and historic churches have faithful leadership rooted in the Holy Land.
• Scripture calls for discernment, truth, and accountability—not political distortion of the Gospel.

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem stands as a testament to Christ’s life, marking the sacred ground of His crucifixion and resurrection, central to our Christian faith. A recent clarification by local Church leaders rightly cautions believers about misleading organizations who operate without true spiritual or communal authority, often driven by political motives rather than genuine Gospel witness.

These self-proclaimed groups lack accountable congregations and recognized leadership, distancing themselves from authentic, biblically-rooted Christian communities. With no foundation in local church life, their voices distort the message of Jesus and sow confusion among believers worldwide.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Any theology that replaces Christ with national or political interests directly contradicts our calling, as Jesus Himself rejected approaches rooted in earthly power and domination.

“My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).

The true Christian community of the Holy Land is not a mere idea or political tool. It is a living fellowship of worship, sacrifice, and faithfulness, present since the birth of Christianity and standing firm in the face of adversity.

Global Christians are called to listen to established, accountable Evangelical and historic churches in the Holy Land. Faithful leadership—including bodies like the Synod of Evangelical Churches and the Council of Evangelical Churches in Israel—embody Christ’s love and truth through worship and service in their homeland.

Leaders such as Rev. Botrus Mansour, a Palestinian Christian heading the World Evangelical Alliance, and generations of pastors trained at Bethlehem Bible College and Nazareth Evangelical College, highlight the enduring presence and vibrant witness of local Evangelical believers.

“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5).

Yet, many outside groups raise funds and assume the right to speak, while ignoring or misrepresenting the true voices of the Holy Land’s faithful. This compromises Gospel truth for material or political gain.

“You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).

Commitment to the truth means rejecting counterfeit representation and faithfully supporting the accountable local churches God has established. Christians must seek discernment, refusing to let the message of the cross be twisted by outside interests.

“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1).

Christ’s presence, as He taught, is not found within corridors of earthly influence, but among those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Brothers and sisters in the faith are called to stand alongside the Christians of the Holy Land with truth, justice, and love, honoring the lordship of Jesus Christ alone.

Let us uplift and pray for the enduring church in the Holy Land. Remain vigilant against false representation and seek to walk in partnership—anchored in Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit.

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