Press Statement

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem takes issue with the recent Statement from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem on Unity and Representation of the Christian Communities in the Holy Land (January 17, 2026) concerning its charge that Christian Zionism is among the “damaging ideologies” being advanced by unnamed local individuals to “mislead the public, sow confusion, and harm the unity of our flock.”

As Christians, we adhere to a Zionism that is purely biblical in origin, belief, scope and practice – reflecting our sincere faith convictions and not shifting political objectives. The promised restoration of Israel in modern times enjoys ample biblical credentials in both the Old and New Testaments. The Jewish return to the Land of Israel both reflects and affirms the faithful nature and character of God to always keep His sworn covenant promises, thereby strengthening the Christian faith rather than damaging or undermining it.

Further, the promised Jewish return to Zion has been taught and embraced by many devout Christians throughout the Church age, from the original Apostles and some of the early Church fathers to medieval clergymen, right up to the modern-day Protestant and Evangelical church movements. Christian Zionism thus predates Supersessionism and will survive its passing.

The respected Catholic prelate Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, Archbishop of Vienna, once expressed his support for Biblical Zionism, maintaining that it was doctrinally important for Christians to recognize the Jewish people’s deep connection to their ancestral homeland, and adding that Christians should rejoice in the Jewish return to the Land of Israel as a fulfilment of biblical prophecy. We could not agree more.

Finally, our shared Christian Scriptures counsel that it is better to address any differences we may have about doctrine and beliefs firstly in direct dialogue among brethren, rather than through the media.