Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Christians in Palestine

Thursday 16 April 2026 · 2 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 supports Christians in Palestine through public statements and condemnations of settler violence.
  • Catholic leaders were prohibited from entering the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate Palm Sunday mass.
  • The Israeli Government's closure of the Holy Sepulchre was described as unacceptable and unprecedented by religious leaders.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Religion & Faith
Context

The Church of England's actions to support Christians in Palestine are under scrutiny.

Question

What steps the Church of England is taking to support Christians in Palestine.

Answer from Marsha de Cordova

The Church remains steadfast in its support for Palestinians. The Bishops of Southwark, Gloucester, Chelmsford and Norwich have publicly highlighted their concerns by condemning the increased settler violence and calling for the reopening of holy places. They are offering sanctuary, working for peace and reconciliation, and building intercommunity trust.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps taken to support Christians in Palestine beyond general statements about condemnation and calls for action.

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Q2 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

Catholic leaders were prohibited from entering the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate a private mass on Palm Sunday, raising concerns about religious freedom.

Question

For the first time in centuries, Catholic leaders were prohibited from entering the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate a private mass on Palm Sunday. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem called this a “manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure.” In light of this incident, what concrete steps will the Church take to ensure that Christians and other religious groups are able to worship freely in Jerusalem?

Answer from Marsha de Cordova

The closure of the Holy Sepulchre by the Israeli Government was totally unacceptable. It was an unprecedented step, and representations by all Churches were made at the highest level. The treatment of pilgrims and worshippers by the Israel Defence Forces, and the additional movement restrictions across both western and Orthodox Easter, were deplorable, particularly in what is the holiest of weeks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps taken to ensure freedom of worship for Christians and other religious groups in Jerusalem beyond condemning the closure and treatment of pilgrims.

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