The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine and Dar al-Kalima University, in coordination with Aarhus University, convened a two-day international conference addressing the ideological and theological dimensions of Christian Zionism in Scandinavian countries. The conference brought together a distinguished assembly of scholars, theologians, and church leaders from across Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. The conference was coordinated by Ambassador Amira Hanania, Ambassador Manuel Hassassian, and Dr. Mitri Raheb.
In his keynote address, Dr. Ramzi Khouri, member of the PLO Executive Committee and head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, opened the proceedings with a sobering reflection on the catastrophic situation in Gaza. He described scenes that defy language and imagination, children buried beneath rubble, homes set ablaze with families inside, and life itself choked by the crushing grip of hunger. He also conveyed heartfelt greetings from the Palestinian people, both Christians and Muslims, who see this gathering as a powerful affirmation of their dignity and a beacon of hope amid the ongoing siege and suffering they endure.
Dr. Khouri emphasized that the conference offers a rare opportunity to confront dangerous political projects rooted in a distorted alliance between modern colonialism and misappropriated religious interpretation. He argued that Christian Zionism represents a politicized ideology masked by theological rhetoric that grants legitimacy to occupation while marginalizing others in the name of God.
He called upon churches in the West to reclaim their ethical and prophetic voice by standing on the side of justice and mercy. In his words, silence in the face of such suffering is not neutrality – it is complicity. He praised the moral clarity of countries like Sweden and Norway, which recognized the State of Palestine, helping to bring the total number of recognizing states to 149. Dr. Khoury urged religious institutions to resist aligning with power and privilege, and instead stand firmly with the oppressed, reclaiming the true spirit of the Gospel.
Ambassador Manuel Hassassian, Palestine’s ambassador to Denmark, offered a historical analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, criticizing Europe’s historic bias toward Israel. He highlighted how European powers, particularly Britain, sought to resolve the “Jewish question” by relocating Jews to Palestine, legitimizing the move through the Balfour Declaration and the League of Nations. As the mandatory power, Britain facilitated large-scale Jewish settlement, laying the foundation for long-term conflict. Ambassador Hassassian also denounced the ongoing support of the United States for the Israeli occupation, which he described as a direct contradiction of its professed commitment to democracy and human rights. While the Palestine Liberation Organization has recognized the State of Israel, he noted, Israel has yet to acknowledge Palestinians as the Indigenous people of the land or make any real concessions toward the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Ambassador Amira Hanania delivered a powerful intervention on the dire situation facing Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem. She drew attention to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, apartheid policies, and settler violence in Jerusalem. Hanania underscored that the Palestinian struggle did not begin in October 2023, but has its roots in the 1948 Nakba, when Israel was founded through mass displacement and ongoing massacres. She lamented the systematic targeting of Palestinian Christians – descendants of the earliest followers of Christ – whose population has now declined to less than 1% due to discriminatory policies aimed at erasing the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Hanania warned against Israel’s efforts to reframe the conflict as a religious one, when in reality, it is rooted in colonialism and dispossession.
Dr. Wasfi Kailani, Director of Jerusalem Affairs at the Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan, spoke on the rise of in violations of holy sites by Israeli occupation authorities. He voiced deep concern over Israel’s persistent efforts to alter the historical status quo and erode the Hashemite Custodianship, particularly in light of the escalating settler attacks on Christian sacred sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Mitri Raheb, President of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, provided a theological and political analysis of the Christian Zionist movement, warning against its expansionist goals and manipulation of scripture. He stressed the urgent need for European churches to develop awareness of the existential threat this movement poses to Christian holy sites, especially the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and called for collective action to resist its influence.
The conference concluded with a strong call to action, emphasizing the urgent need to confront the growing influence of Christian Zionism both in Europe and globally. Participants stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive strategic plan to challenge this ideology, which misuses religious narratives to justify colonial and oppressive agendas. Central to this effort is the need to empower churches, universities, and civil society organizations to play a leading role in countering theological extremism and promoting an inclusive, justice-centered faith perspective.
The discussions underscored the value of fostering greater cooperation between Scandinavian nations and other European countries to raise awareness about the ideological and political dangers posed by Christian Zionism. Delegates also called for increased support for academic and religious initiatives aimed at exposing and refuting distorted interpretations of biblical texts that serve political ends.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the moral imperative to stand in solidarity with oppressed peoples. In that spirit, the conference urged the formation of a high-level delegation composed of representatives from global churches to undertake a solidarity visit to Palestine. Such a visit would provide an opportunity to witness firsthand the realities on the ground, affirm support for the Palestinian people, and help strengthen international solidarity grounded in shared Christian and humanitarian values.
