The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine participated in the official reception ceremony of the new Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Dr. Imad Haddad, during a festive prayer service held at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hope in Ramallah.
The Committee was represented by its member, Mousa Hadid, on behalf of the Committee’s President, Dr. Ramzi Khouri. The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh, Dr. Laila Ghannam; the Mayor of Ramallah, Issa Qassis; the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Dr. Mona Al-Khalili; Ms. Tahani Al-Louzi representing the Governor of Jerusalem; along with commanders of the security and police services, a large number of clergy and church figures from Ramallah, and the Acting Director General of the Higher Presidential Committee, Hadeel Mashriqi, and the Committee’s staff. The Holy Mass was presided over by Bishop Dr. Imad Haddad.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Dr. Ramzi Khouri, Mousa Hadid expressed his appreciation to the former Bishop, Sani Azar, for his pastoral and national efforts throughout his years of service, and welcomed Bishop Imad Haddad as he assumes his new responsibilities, wishing him success in his ecclesiastical and national mission.
Hadid highlighted the difficult and critical phase the Palestinian people are going through amid mounting political and humanitarian challenges, stressing the vital role of the Church in strengthening steadfastness and resilience and in conveying the authentic Palestinian voice to churches and institutions around the world. He also affirmed the Committee’s full readiness to enhance coordination and joint action in a manner that serves the authentic Christian presence in the land of Christ and promotes the values of justice and peace.
For her part, Governor Laila Ghannam welcomed Bishop Haddad, affirming the deep bonds of unity between Muslims and Christians in Palestine, and stressing that the pain, suffering, and bloodshed endured by the Palestinian people under occupation are shared by all. She expressed her hope that Bishop Haddad’s mission would help convey the voice and suffering of the Palestinian people to the world.
Minister of Women’s Affairs Dr. Mona Al-Khalili also welcomed Bishop Haddad and wished him success, praising the recent partnership between the Ministry and the Evangelical Lutheran Church, particularly regarding achievements related to the Personal Status Law and the promotion of women’s rights.
Ms. Tahani Al-Louzi, representing the Governor of Jerusalem, conveyed greetings on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year, pointing to the ongoing Israeli occupation practices in Jerusalem aimed at disrupting Christian and Muslim celebrations, and stressing that national unity remains the path toward achieving an independent Palestinian state.
Mayor of Ramallah Issa Qassis emphasized the Church’s teachings that call for love, peace, and justice, commending the pivotal role played by the churches in conveying the true Palestinian narrative, particularly in international forums and before the International Court of Justice.
Fr. Elias Awwad, representing the Council of Churches of Ramallah, extended congratulations on behalf of the priests and pastors of the city’s churches, wishing Bishop Haddad success in his new mission and praising his previous service in Ramallah and his dedication to preserving church unity and promoting the values of love and humility.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Dr. Imad Haddad thanked the attendees for their presence and kind words, affirming that the Christian presence in Palestine is authentic and deeply rooted in this land, and renewing his commitment to serving his people and defending their just cause in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
