European Bishops urge status quo to be retained in Jerusalem

The Presidency of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE) issued a declaration on Sunday, 10 December, calling for the status quo of Jerusalem to be retained. The full statement follows:

The Presidency of the Council of European Bishops Conferences (CCEE) associates its voice to the appeal arriving from many parts of the world to respect the status quo of the city of Jerusalem, in line with a number of United Nations resolutions which have expressed themselves in this direction.

It is impossible to understand the Christian roots of Europe without our link to Jerusalem. This city is also for European people the "home of our fathers", precisely because it is the "home" of many peoples who venerate within this city the holy places of their respective religions. We strongly believe that any change to the current situation may create a climate hostile to peace as the events of these last few days have witnessed.

Along with the Holy Father Francis we invite all parties involved to act with justice, wisdom and prudence in order to preserve and foster peace.

For more information, see:

www.ccee.eu and www.eurocathinfo.eu