On February 21, it was reported that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby initially refused to meet with Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Lutheran pastor, after Isaac had attended a pro-Palestine rally with former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Isaac gained attention for his Christmas Eve sermon, which criticized the Israeli assault on Gaza and Western Christian silence. He has been a vocal advocate for peace amidst Palestinian suffering.
A week later, Welby apologized and agreed to meet with Isaac, acknowledging the importance of supporting Palestinian Christians during a time of profound suffering. However, he failed to mention the struggles faced by Palestinian Muslims, whom Isaac has also supported.
As Catholics and Protestants celebrate Easter, Palestinians of these denominations are unable to visit their holy sites in Jerusalem due to restrictions imposed by the Israeli government. Western churches, including the Church of England, have remained silent on these limitations on freedom of worship.
The refusal of Welby to meet with Isaac and the overall lack of condemnation by Western churches of Israeli actions against Palestinian Christians and Muslims highlight the precarious position of Arab Christians in the West. They are often misunderstood through Orientalist and Islamophobic lenses, portraying them as victims or heretics rather than acknowledging their unique experiences and perspectives.
Throughout history, Western Christians have viewed Arab Christians as victims of “Islamic terror” or products of it. Missionary efforts aimed at reforming and civilizing Arab Christian communities often led to friction and misconceptions about their beliefs and practices.
Despite their significant contributions to philosophy, literature, and culture, Arab Christians continue to be marginalized and erased in Western perceptions. A more inclusive and ecumenical approach is needed to truly understand and support the diverse Christian communities in the Arab world.