The presence of Christians in the Holy Land has been a living witness of faith for centuries. Yet this community is shrinking dramatically. Abbot Nikodemus Schnabel of the Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem has raised the alarm in a recent appeal. He warns that the Holy Land could become a mere tourist attraction if native believers continue to emigrate. “It must not be that the holy sites are only visited by pilgrims while Christian families disappear,” the Benedictine says.
The challenges are many: political instability, economic hardship, and social tensions weigh on Christian communities. It is not just about preserving church buildings, but about the survival of a living faith culture. The abbot emphasizes that indigenous Christians are indispensable for the authenticity of Christian witness in the Holy Land.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?” (Matthew 5:13, NRSV)
This word of Jesus reminds us that believers are called to be present in the world. In the Holy Land, that presence is at stake.
The Three Groups of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land
To clarify the situation, Abbot Nikodemus distinguishes three main groups within the Latin Church. Each faces specific challenges.
Arabic-Speaking Palestinian Catholics
This group includes Christians with Israeli citizenship, residents of Jerusalem without political rights, believers in the West Bank with movement restrictions, and the community in the Gaza Strip. Christians in Gaza especially suffer a double burden: war and blockade on one hand, and oppression by Hamas on the other. Many have already left the country or are in great distress.
Hebrew-Speaking Catholics
This small but growing community consists of mixed families and is integrated into Israeli society. Abbot Nikodemus calls this phenomenon new and raises the question of what it means to be both Israeli and Catholic. This group could be a bridge between cultures.
Migrants and Asylum Seekers
With over 100,000 people, this is the largest group. Many come from the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. They work in caregiving, construction, and agriculture. The abbot describes their situation as “modern slavery.” Working conditions are often inhumane: passports are confiscated, changing employers is nearly impossible, families are separated, and mothers who choose not to abort are punished.
“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10:14, NRSV)
This gospel stands in stark contrast to the experiences of many Christian migrant workers who are punished for their yes to life.
The Role of the International Community
Abbot Nikodemus appeals to the worldwide Church not to forget the indigenous Christians. Concrete support is needed, both spiritual and material. “Aid to the Church in Need” and other charities are already doing important work, but the pressure remains high. Christians in the Holy Land need solidarity to live their faith in this challenging environment.
Practical Steps for Readers
What can we do? Pray for the Christians in the Holy Land. Learn about charities working there. And if you are planning a pilgrimage, seek out
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