Territorialism

Every year, before Easter, a ceremony takes place in the tomb of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where tradition holds that Jesus was buried. Not long ago, as the Greek Orthodox Priest and the Armenian Archbishop made their way toward the tomb a fight broke out between the two and their communities. The police had to be called in to try and separate them.

Another time, a fight broke out in the Holy Place between the denominations. Since then more than a thousand police are on standby for each year's celebration.

But there's more! Another time a fight broke out whether a door in the Chapel should be left open or closed. Another time an expensive carpet extended a few inches into the Franciscan's space, so one of the priests cut it off, creating conflict.

You might remember seeing this one on the news a few years back. A ladder had been left in one spot, leaning up against a wall for decades, because the various denominations couldn't agree about who left it there.

What do you think is behind this kind of un-Christlike behavior? It's all about who's in control. Join me in praying that the Lord will save us from this kind of immaturity that insists on everything being done "my way". "Your kingdom come, Your will be done".

Pastor Ron