The Archbishop of Canterbury gave “misleading and inaccurate” comments regarding the recent protest by Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, according to Christians United For Israel (CUFI). The church is popularly believed to be built above the original ‘stable’ where Jesus was born. In an email to supporters on 16 March CUFI said, “Statements by Archbishop Welby claim that Israel is taxing Jerusalem’s churches and holy sites. However, the dispute is not about the churches being taxed, but rather establishments owned by the church, such as hospitals, schools, hotels and other businesses. The failure to accurately present the facts sadly led to a bias against Israel and even a manifestation of antisemitism on social media.” It invited supporters to email the Archbishop to give a more accurate response.
Archbishop Justin Welby with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre behind