US Franciscan leaders urge Secretary of State to help stop attacks on Holy Land Christians

Catholic friars during procession in Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, 2006 by Abraham Sobkowski OFM

Twelve Provincial Ministers, representing the vast majority of male US Franciscan Religious, have made a direct appeal to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, to help stop the rising violence against Christians and other Palestinians in the Holy Land. In their appeal, dated June 16, 2026, the leaders specifically request that Mr Rubio "use all diplomatic leverage to persuade the Israeli Government to stop policies that empower, protect and provide impunity for radical Israeli settlers."

The State Department responded on June 24th stating: "Our office continues to track issues of violence against Christians in Israel and West Bank and we take it very seriously. We appreciate the work you do to highlight these concerns."

In the light of new and rising violence as reported in the June report, particularly in the village of Taybeh, the Franciscans are compelled to amplify their appeal by releasing it to the greater public.

Fr Lawrence Hayes, OFM, one of the signatories of the appeal shared: "Violence continues to grow unabated. The world cannot be blind to the atrocities, and we hope the release of our letter can bring greater attention and advocacy for peace to this tragedy."

Not only has the violence increased, but it appears that Israeli settlers are preparing to establish a new illegal settlement outpost.

Settler instigated violence is a part of the pattern that can be attributed to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The unfortunate pattern being repeated with greater frequency is for an established Israeli settlement, which by International Law is already illegal, to set up an "outpost" near land long inhabited by Palestinians. This outpost may start by shipping containers, campers, fencing and simple roads then move to more established buildings and checkpoints.

Israeli settlers from these outposts and the established settlements will start fires, uproot crops, and do additional violence designed to intimidate the Palestinians. The settlers' goal is to make life so difficult and dangerous that they leave or abandon their lands out of fear. The Israeli Defence Forces are present to serve as a buffer between the settlers and Palestinian communities, but have shown themselves to be unable, or unwilling, to prevent the violence.

Franciscans have a long history and presence in the Holy Land, dating back nearly to their founder, St. Francis of Assisi. For nearly 800 years Franciscans have been providing ministries and services to all, regardless of faith. They have been especially present to minister to the Christian community that has been worshiping since the time of Jesus. It is in solidarity to these long relationships with the people of the Holy Land and their religious tradition centred on seeking peace that the Franciscan leaders chose to collaborate in this letter.

About the Franciscan leaders

The 12 Franciscan leaders are called Provincial Ministers, or Superiors, and are the top leadership in regions of male religious jurisdictionally similar to a local bishop in the Roman Catholic tradition. The men they lead serve throughout the US in more than 150 ministries spread throughout 29 states. This is the first time that these leaders have come together to make a statement and invite nonviolent action in shared act of solidarity.

Read the full letter here: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zdswvei0s22m63hngjudn/Franciscan-Letter-to-Secretary-Rubio-June-16-2026-4.pdf