Hawzah News Agency –The Muslim Council of Britain today welcomed a joint Sunday Times article by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem who spoke of a “future intertwined with the future prosperity and common good of all communities”, as they recounted the alarming experiences of Christian communities in Palestine. The Church leaders warned of a “concerted attempt” by extremist groups to drive Christians away.

Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain said:

“The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop in Jerusalem have taken a brave stance in calling out the actions of extremists who are not only driving out Christians, but also Muslims and other faith communities as well.

This year, we saw continued violations of holy spaces including the Al Aqsa Mosque and the attempted forced displacement of residents of East Jerusalem, most notably in the neighbourhoods of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan. Only last month, UN experts expressed alarm at the rising rate of violence directed by Israeli settlers towards Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Many Palestinian-Christians will celebrate Christmas this weekend under difficult conditions as a result of the occupation. Any hope of a prosperous future which works for the common good can only be realised once human rights are upheld in the region for all communities.”