Christian Zionist organization fires back at patriarchs who condemned movement

After the heads of major Christian churches in the region released a statement condemning Christian Zionism last week, a leading international Christian Zionist organization based in Jerusalem responds that “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,” the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem says, after the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem listed Christian Zionism among the “damaging ideologies” being advanced by individuals in Israel.

“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,” says ICEJ. “Christian Zionism thus predates Supersessionism and will survive its passing.”

ICEJ has been a key independent player in Israeli diplomacy, playing central roles in countries in the Pacific and Latin America moving their embassies to Jerusalem.

“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,” says ICEJ.

Notably, the Latin Patriarchate, which is part of the Heads of Churches, has not shared the statement condemning Christian Zionism on its website or on social media.