Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Holy Land: Desecration of Religious Sites

Thursday 27 April 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Church of England works with the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, other faith leaders, and the Jordanian Government to maintain peace and integrity of holy sites.
  • The Archbishop of Canterbury and the UK Chief Rabbi have spoken out against attacks on Christian graves and restrictions on religious ceremonies.
  • Desmond Swayne's background as an International Development Minister may give him influence over reducing vandalism against churches in discussions at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Religion & Faith
Context

Seven cases of serious vandalism and antisocial behaviour against churches were recorded in Israel within the first three months of the year, marking a sharp increase from previous years. The situation prompted concerns over the protection of religious sites.

Question

What discussions has the Church of England had with international counterparts on the desecration of religious sites in the Holy Land?

Answer from Andrew Selous

The Church of England continues to work with the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, other faith leaders, and the Jordanian Government to maintain peace. There have been discussions about maintaining the integrity of holy sites.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Andrew Selous did not provide specific details on the nature or outcomes of these discussions.

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Q2 Tim Loughton Con
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

The Easter fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre faced undue restrictions due to fear of violent clashes, leading to concerns about religious freedoms.

Question

What measures are being taken to ensure that Christians can celebrate the Easter fire ceremony without facing undue restrictions and desecration?

Answer from Andrew Selous

The restrictions have been overly heavy-handed. The Archbishop of Canterbury has called out the attacks on Christian graves as blasphemous, and the UK Chief Rabbi has spoken out against such actions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Andrew Selous did not specify concrete measures being taken to ensure that future Easter fire ceremonies are safe and free from restrictions.

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Q3 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Community Security Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

A strategic partnership was announced between the UK and Israeli governments, raising expectations for increased influence over issues such as the protection of churchgoers from vandalism.

Question

The Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office recently announced a strategic partnership with Israel. Should this give us some influence over reducing vandalism against churches?

Answer from Andrew Selous

Attacks on Christians and people of other faiths are unacceptable. The speaker hopes that Desmond Swayne's distinguished background as an International Development Minister will be heard loudly at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Not addressed: Andrew Selous did not address whether the strategic partnership provides leverage to reduce vandalism against churches.

How: Redirecting Attention To Desmond Swayne'S Background

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