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Patriarch Visits Churches Attacked in West Bank
18-Sep-06
Zenit.org
The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem visited four of the churches in the West Bank and Gaza that were attacked following remarks by Benedict XVI that angered many Muslims.
No injuries were reported in the string of fire-bombings and shootings Saturday that caused no major damage to Christian churches of various denominations in Nablus, Tubas, Tulkarem and Gaza City.
Archbishop Michel Sabbah said on Vatican Radio today that in Nablus he was able to meet with the small Christian community, and they reported that "all the churches were attacked by a group of youths."
The patriarch reported that today "the mayor, the governor, and all those in charge met with the Christian religious leaders to avoid any kind of violence."
"All Muslim political and religious leaders are with us and support us. They have placed armed men to stand guard all night in the four churches," he added.
The patriarch explained that the Grand Mufti of Palestine and President Abu Mazen have expressed their solidarity.
Archbishop Sabbah added: "Now we must reflect on what initiative must be taken to reinforce the relationship between Christianity and Islam."
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