Archbishop Atallah Hanna: “We Do Not Recognize So-called ‘Christian Zionism’—It Has No Place in Our Christian Teachings”

Occupied Jerusalem (Quds News Network)– Archbishop Atallah Hanna, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Sebastia, firmly denounced the concept of “Christian Zionism” in a statement, declaring it an illegitimate term that holds no place within Christian teachings or literature.

The archbishop emphasized that the attempt to blend Christianity with Zionism is wholly rejected, as it directly contradicts the core values of Christianity, which center on love, compassion, brotherhood, and peace.

In contrast, he stressed that Zionism is a racist and terrorist movement that has been responsible for numerous catastrophes, including the current campaign of genocide in Gaza.

Archbishop Hanna criticized the rise of individuals in the United States who identify themselves as Christian Zionists, describing this as a phenomenon that is alien to authentic Christian values.

He argued that these individuals distort biblical teachings, particularly the Old Testament, to align with political agendas that ultimately serve the colonial and racist Zionist project.

Hanna pointedly referenced the recent nomination of a new US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who has openly aligned with the Christian Zionist ideology.

Huckabee, who claims to be a Christian pastor, has denied the existence of Palestine and its people, dismissing historical realities. “It’s as if he has chosen to ignore or erase history,” the archbishop said, highlighting the long-standing presence of Palestine and its people, regardless of such denials.

“It is deeply concerning,” Hanna added, “that these individuals hold influential positions in the US and falsely claim to represent Christianity. If they were true Christians, they would advocate for an end to the war in Gaza and Lebanon and push for a just solution to the Palestinian cause that respects the dignity and freedom of the Palestinian people. Instead, they bury their heads in the sand like ostriches, pretending that by ignoring reality, it ceases to exist.”

He further reminded those who deny Palestine’s existence that historical records, including the Fourth Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea in the 4th century AD, recognized the “Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all Palestine.” This, he argued, is irrefutable proof of Palestine’s existence throughout history.

Archbishop Hanna urged the global community, especially those who misconstrue Christian teachings, to recognize that the path to peace in the Middle East and beyond lies in addressing the Palestinian issue. “The solution is not in denying the existence of the Palestinian people, but in granting them their legitimate rights so they can live in peace and freedom like any other nation.”

Hanna condemned the agendas of Christian Zionists, asserting that their actions are driven by colonial and racist motives rather than a genuine desire for peace. “Their denial of Palestine’s existence is rooted in ignorance, hatred, and an adherence to inhumane and uncivilized political agendas,” he argued.

Archbishop Hanna concluded by reiterating his outright rejection of the term “Christian Zionism,” stating it as an affront to the values of Christianity.

He called on media outlets to accurately describe those who misuse the label of Christianity, emphasizing that they are “a group falsely claiming Christian identity while actually adhering to the violent, racist ideologies of Zionism.”