I was raised in Beit Sahour, a quaint town adjacent to Bethlehem, within an Orthodox family. However, my journey took a significant turn in childhood when my siblings joined a conservative evangelical Presbyterian church and invited me along. This experience has been deeply formative, and I cherish it greatly.
As I grew older, my theological perspectives evolved. After earning my PhD, my wife and I sought a new church community. We were drawn to the depth and vibrancy of Lutheran liturgy and the active role of the Lutheran church in Palestine. Their involvement in community service—ranging from schools and an environmental center to a gender justice desk—resonated with us. This active engagement represented a comprehensive approach to the church’s mission that we found compelling.
It wasn’t a matter of preferring Lutheran teachings over Calvinist ones; rather, it was the Lutheran church’s active witness in Palestine that captivated me. When I joined, the church leaders invited me to consider joining the ministry team. I delved into Lutheran teachings and practices, and after two years, I was ordained.
Mission of Bethlehem Bible College
Bethlehem Bible College serves as an interdenominational institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in biblical studies and public theology. Our foundation is rooted in traditional evangelical beliefs about scriptural inspiration and personal encounters with Christ. Yet, we maintain a progressive stance on social justice issues. Unlike many evangelicals, we reject Christian Zionism and host an annual conference called Christ at the Checkpoint to highlight its risks.
In the Global South, it’s common for evangelical movements to embrace progressive social justice stances while upholding traditional beliefs. From my perspective, there’s no conflict between being part of a mainline denomination engaged in community work and holding evangelical convictions.
Challenges of a Small Christian Minority
With Christians comprising less than 2% of the West Bank’s population, our situation is unique. We don’t view ourselves as a minority in the conventional sense. We are Arabs, indistinguishable from Muslims in terms of dialect, food, or customs. Our shared Palestinian identity spans 1,400 years of coexistence.
Yet, ministry in Palestine presents unique challenges. Our primary mission has become preserving the Christian presence here. Historical events—from the Ottoman period to the creation of Israel—have led to significant emigration. Missionary schools in the early 20th century facilitated this migration by providing necessary language skills, resulting in a substantial Palestinian Christian diaspora.
Living under occupation compounds these challenges with severe restrictions, high unemployment, and frequent political violence. The church works to provide jobs and support, but the pervasive despair drives many to leave. Additionally, rising religious fundamentalism—both political Islam and religious Zionism—has intensified our concerns about our place and role in this region. We also grapple with the Western church’s one-sided support for Israel, which exacerbates our difficulties.
As a pastor and theologian, my task is to make the Christian faith relevant and practical, offering genuine hope rather than empty optimism. I strive to ensure that our church remains a sanctuary amidst these harsh realities.
Reaction to the October 7 Attacks
The October 7 attacks were a shock. I was leading a chapel service at Beit Sahour School when my phone began buzzing with alarming messages. We were initially stunned by images of Hamas fighters penetrating deep into Israel and the horrific scenes of violence and kidnapping.
The immediate response was disbelief, followed by a rapid evacuation of the school. We managed to get our 460 students home, but the situation was fraught with tension. Once at home, we anxiously followed the news, dreading the inevitable Israeli retaliation. The scale of destruction in Gaza has been unprecedented, with widespread devastation and civilian casualties, particularly among children.
Impact on Bethlehem Post-October 7
Bethlehem is reeling from the effects of the ongoing conflict. The impact on our community is profound. High unemployment and the collapse of the tourism industry, which was just recovering from COVID, have compounded our struggles. International aid has largely shifted to Gaza, and many young families have fled in search of stability.
Fear of escalation to the West Bank adds to the tension. The already restrictive blockades have tightened, limiting movement and exacerbating isolation. Settler violence and travel restrictions further complicate life, with some schools resorting to online learning due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, violence in the West Bank, though overshadowed by Gaza’s crisis, continues at alarming rates.
Connections with Gaza
While Gaza does not have a Lutheran presence, Palestinian Christians consider each other family. I know individuals from Gaza who have suffered immense losses. Stories from Gaza are harrowing, with churches serving as sanctuaries for hundreds amidst the chaos. Despite their dire circumstances, these communities exhibit remarkable resilience and faith.
Aid Efforts to Gaza
Delivering aid to Gaza remains a significant challenge due to the blockade and scarcity of resources. Creative solutions, such as transferring funds to those with cash in Gaza, are being employed. The Catholic and Orthodox patriarchates in Jerusalem are channeling support to local churches in Gaza, with Lutherans and evangelicals contributing to these efforts.
Finding and Offering Hope
At this juncture, focusing on hope seems difficult. The people of Gaza are drawing strength from their faith and communal solidarity. I am convinced that amidst severe hardship, faith is profoundly experienced. Despite the bleak circumstances, the unwavering faith of those affected is a testament to God’s presence and the strength found in belief.
Future Prospects and Political Solutions
The prospect of a ceasefire brings no guarantee of a better future. With the two-state solution effectively dead, the focus shifts to either continuing the current oppressive status quo or transitioning to a single state with equal rights. Israel must decide whether to persist in the cycle of violence or seek a different path.
Accountability for war crimes is crucial to prevent future atrocities. The broader issues of discrimination and power imbalance must also be addressed. Creative, nonviolent resistance remains a core principle for achieving justice and ending apartheid-like conditions.
Political Leadership and Progress
Palestinian Christians desire a secular state that respects all religions and ensures equal rights for all citizens. We seek a future where there are no second-class citizens and where all are treated equally under the law. This vision transcends religious identity and focuses on justice and equality for all Palestinians.
Theological Perspectives on Judaism
In understanding the relationship between Christianity and Judaism, it is crucial to recognize our shared belief in one God while acknowledging our differing views. Antisemitism, rooted in prejudice, contradicts the commandment to love one’s neighbor. Our faith should be guided by love and respect, regardless of theological differences.
Addressing Supersessionism
Supersessionism, often rooted in Western supremacy notions, is a concept I find problematic. My focus is on adhering to the Christian commandment to love one’s neighbor, regardless of doctrinal differences. Theological debates should not overshadow our fundamental call to love and respect all people.
Conclusion
As we navigate these tumultuous times, it is essential to uphold the values of justice, equality, and nonviolence. Despite the dire circumstances, the enduring faith and resilience of individuals in Gaza and beyond offer a powerful testament to the strength found in hope and communal support.