Affirmation of His Beatitude
Theophilos III Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem
The Greek Orthodox Church has duly elected a new
Patriarch of Jerusalem. This process was legally conducted and the
newly elected Patriarch, His Beatitude Theofilos III, immediately
enjoyed full endorsements by all of the other Christian
Churches, by the Jordanian Government and by the Palestinian
Authority. These are the required approvals. The Israeli government
must also affirm the legal status of the Patriarch. The Israeli's
process is taking additional time and consequently the new Patriarch
cannot discharge his duties or take possession of the residence or
business affairs of his Church.
In the interest of inter-religious harmony and
positive, improved relations, Pave the Way Foundation has requested
that the Prime Minister of Israel and the King of Jordan give this problem
their attention. We have requested that the required affirmation be
granted as soon as possible in the interest of religious freedom and the
separation of politics from religious practice.
October 2006, the Israeli
inter-ministerial director advised the government of Israeli that he
recommended that Theophilos III should be affirmed. We are now
waiting for the conclusion of this epic and PTWF urges the
government of Israel to complete this process quickly in the
interest of positive Interreligious relations.
