Note #9175 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:
06139 March 1, 2006
Arab-Israeli becomes archbishop of Greek Catholic church in Holy Land
Elias Chacour is a longtime partner of the PC(USA)
by Michele Green Ecumenical News International
JERUSALEM -¾ An Arab-Israeli cleric and winner of international peace awards has been elevated to the rank of archbishop of the Greek Catholic (Melkite) Church in the Holy Land.
Elias Chacour is the first cleric born and raised in Israel to hold the position.
Chacour, a well-known, longtime partner of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), was installed as archbishop on Feb. 25 at the Mar Elias College he founded in Galilee.
"I plan to work for reconciliation and dialogue among the three religions of the Holy Land," Chacour told The Jerusalem Post after his appointment was announced. "I hope to be a moderating voice in the conflict that has spilled too much blood."
Chacour is the first Israeli citizen to become an archbishop in the church, which is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.
The appointment makes Chacour the head of the largest Christian community in Israel, with a flock of more than 50,000 people and a thriving education network.
In 2001, Chacour was awarded the Niwano Peace Prize by a Japanese Buddhist organization for his efforts to promote reconciliation between Jews and Palestinians in Israel. He also received the World Methodist Peace Award in 1994.
Mar Elias educational institutions founded by Chacour have helped promote understanding between youth of different religions and ethnicities, the Niwano Peace Foundation noted in its citation.
Chacour's inauguration ceremony was attended by local church leaders and representatives of the Greek Catholic patriarch and of local Muslim and Druze-Arab communities.
In his inaugural speech, Chacour, speaking in Hebrew, urged the Israeli government to grant equality and justice to Israeli Arabs and to advance the peace process.
He pledged to work for a better future, not only for members of his own community, but also for all Israeli citizens, and particularly Israeli Arabs.
The Greek Catholic Melkite Church was created in the 18th century. It is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, but retains Greek liturgy and a separate synod of bishops. It is believed to have some degree of autonomy from the Vatican.
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