Rivlin to Christian leaders: Israeli sovereignty will never erode religious freedom

President Reuven Rivlin assures Christian leaders that Israel is committed to upholding religious freedom for all faiths.

At a meeting with the heads of the Christian community at Jerusalem’s Franciscan Church ahead of Ascension Day, Rivlin says that “the State of Israel, as guardian of this city, is deeply committed to the religious rights of worship and activity of all communities of faith in Jerusalem and Israel.”

Meeting with Christian communities in Israel at the Franciscan Church in the Old City of Jerusalem. Franciscans are celebrating 800 years in the Holy Land. I thanked Custos Fr Francesco Patton for his warm welcome. We are committed to freedom of religion for everyone in Israel pic.twitter.com/s6Mw108fF8

— Reuven Rivlin (@PresidentRuvi) June 3, 2019

“Christians, Muslims and Jews will always be free to worship here,” Rivlin says according to a statement from his office. “Israeli sovereignty will never compromise religious freedom.”

“These are difficult and painful times for Christians in the Middle East,” he adds. “I am proud that Israel is the only country in our region where the Christian community is not shrinking, but in fact is growing.”