Archbishop warns Israelis

National Catholic Reporter, July 17, 1998

The chairman of the U.S. bishops' International Policy Committee expressed grave concern over a decision by the Israeli government to expand the jurisdiction of Jerusalem.

Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick of Newark, N.J., warned that the "unilateral action will prejudice the outcome of talks on the status of Jerusalem" and hinder restarting of stalled peace talks.

In a June 25 statement, the archbishop said the U.S. bishops understand the Jewish people's attachment to Jerusalem as well as the fact that the city "has been and remains the center of Palestinian life."

"We are among those who believe the negotiations must assure the religious freedom of all persons and communities in the Holy City through adequate international safeguards," McCarrick said. "A final agreement [on Jerusalem] ought to give true security to Israel and a homeland to Palestinians."

He urged a recommitment to the peace process and said "a spirit of accommodation is required on all sides."