Like all of Trump’s announcements, his decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital this week has provoked uproar, with Israel-haters the world over chorusing condemnation.

But where does the Church stand on this symbolic issue? Several Christian leaders have been quick to express their opinion. For instance, ahead of the announcement 13 leaders from the main churches in Jerusalem pled with Trump not to change the US’s position, saying it would only lead to more violence and division. The Pope called for the ‘status quo’ to be respected – and United Nations resolutions on Jerusalem to be honoured (!) - in order for the city’s fragile peace to be preserved.

Archbishop Welby echoed the Pope’s call via Twitter, lamenting that the status quo in Jerusalem is “one of the few stable elements of hope for peace and reconciliation”. Across the pond, the American Episcopal Church and the liberal National Council of Churches have both declared opposition to Trump’s decision, as has the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, all saying that it threatens the outlook for regional peace.

Standing virtually alone in vocalising support for the President are American evangelicals (who are said to be ‘ecstatic’) and Jewish groups.

Committed to Compromise

For the most part, then, Christian leaders are either staying silent or aligning themselves with the unbelieving world on this foundational issue, placing their hopes for peace in the Middle East on some kind of diplomatic compromise (which in their eyes is now gravely endangered).

We know, of course, that this demonstrates a political and historical blindness to the region’s problems. It also demonstrates a spiritual blindness to God’s promises to Israel and the ongoing spiritual battle for Jerusalem, the city where He chose to place His Name.

Finally, and perhaps most devastatingly, it shows an unwillingness to commit to the Gospel truth that real, lasting peace can only be found in the Prince of Peace, Jesus Messiah. His Kingdom is not based on compromise or diplomatic negotiation, but on His name being raised above every other (Phil 2:9-11).

Where Do You Stand?

One day He will return as the King of kings and reign - from Jerusalem. But as believers in His name, where do we stand when it comes to His nation, His Land and His city? Diplomatically speaking, Trump got off the fence this week, putting the global Church to shame with his commitment.

When it comes to the things of God, anything is better than sitting on the fence (cf. Rev 3:15-16). Trump may be the most provocative leader ever to ascend the world stage. But let his decisiveness this week provoke us all to examine the commitment of our own hearts.

Author: Frances Rabbitts