Priests fight at Jesus' birthplace

**Jabberwock** · December 27, 2007, 02:08 PM

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/...ing.clergy.ap/

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) -- Greek Orthodox and Armenian priests attacked each other with brooms and stones inside the Church of the Nativity as long-standing rivalries erupted in violence during holiday cleaning on Thursday.
The basilica, built over the grotto in Bethlehem where Christians believe Jesus was born, is administered jointly by Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic authorities.
Any perceived encroachment on one group's turf can touch off vicious feuds.
On Thursday, dozens of priests and cleaners were scrubbing the church ahead of the Armenian and Orthodox Christmas, celebrated in early January. Thousands of tourists visited the church this week for Christmas celebrations.
But the clean-up turned ugly after some of the Orthodox faithful stepped inside the Armenian church's section, touching off a scuffle between about 50 Greek Orthodox and 30 Armenians.
Palestinian police, armed with batons and shields, quickly formed a human cordon to separate the two sides so the cleaning could continue, then ordered an Associated Press photographer out of the church.
Four people, some with blood running from their faces, were slightly wounded.

I haven't heard of something as funny as this in a long time.

**~~removeduser_487563287433~~** · December 27, 2007, 02:10 PM

It's alright, he probably wasn't born there, and there are few things as funny as men in dresses fighting.

**Cluny the Scourge** · December 27, 2007, 04:17 PM

It's nice to have something you feel is worth fighting for. It gives the world meaning. Stick it to those-damned-heretics-who-are-going-to-burn-in-Hell-hopefully-oh-please-hear-my-prayer-Lord-and-let-me-see-those-heretics-burn-at-the-Day-of-Judgement. These hands are lethal weapons.

**jankren** · December 27, 2007, 05:28 PM

How turning the other cheek of them.

**hellas1** · December 27, 2007, 07:01 PM

To the 3 jackasses that just posted before me,

The actions of SOME do not mean they represent the TOTAL or Many for that matter.

Think self righteous knuckleheads!

hellas1

**jankren** · December 27, 2007, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by hellas1

To the 3 jackasses that just posted before me,

The actions of SOME do not mean they represent the TOTAL or Many for that matter.

Think self righteous knuckleheads!

hellas1

Nobody is suggesting any kinda generalization here yo. We are only commenting on those specific people involved in the clash.

**Grobar** · December 27, 2007, 11:53 PM

That's what happens when heterodox are allowed to control part of this holy site

. Churches in holy land should all belong to Orthodox church Jerusalem Patriarchate as it has rightfull jurisdiction over Holy land since the Apostles times.

**boofhead** · December 28, 2007, 12:11 AM

Originally Posted by Grobar

That's what happens when heterodox are allowed to control part of this holy site

. Churches in holy land should all belong to Orthodox church Jerusalem Patriarchate as it has rightfull jurisdiction over Holy land since the Apostles times.

That sounds like the kind of attitude that leads to the fights in the first place. How far from Jesus, who loved all, even the gentiles and the criminals, can you get?

"Rightful jurisdiction"

Jesus didn't hold back from invading the Temple with a whip.

**~~removeduser_487563287433~~** · December 28, 2007, 02:38 AM

Originally Posted by hellas1

To the 3 jackasses that just posted before me,

The actions of SOME do not mean they represent the TOTAL or Many for that matter.

Think self righteous knuckleheads!

hellas1

I don't see where I said otherwise.

**Maverick** · December 27, 2007, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by jankren

How turning the other cheek of them.

You have to ask what would Jesus do if some Orthodox priests stepped on his turf - mess em up, JC doesn't take no disrespect.

**IronBrig4** · December 27, 2007, 09:34 PM

"I kick ass for the Lord!"

**boofhead** · December 27, 2007, 11:55 PM

Idiots. Let's forget the teachings, and have a good old fisticuffs over our uppity gangland turf.

**Icefrisco** · December 27, 2007, 11:58 PM

Fighting between the priests is very common in the church of Nativity. I usually hear about an new fight every year or so.

**jankren** · December 28, 2007, 12:34 AM

Which denomination actually has more 'historical right' of the site?

**boofhead** · December 28, 2007, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by jankren

Which denomination actually has more 'historical right' of the site?

Can of worms....opened.

**Serious Spamurai** · December 28, 2007, 04:51 AM

Originally Posted by jankren

Which denomination actually has more 'historical right' of the site?

All of them. They should've built curches that surrounded the place so it was in a courtyard, then no group would have the prime "real estate". Or they shouldn't have built churches there at all, so there was no particular faith association with the area.

**Grobar** · December 28, 2007, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by jankren

Which denomination actually has more 'historical right' of the site?

Orthodox church in Holy land was founded by Apostles from the beginning. Latin Patriarch and Catholics arrived with Crusades in 11th century. Armenian Patriarchate was established in 13th century.
Holy sites belong to Orthodox church. I don't suppose Catholics and Protestants would be willing to share properties of their churches around the world with Orthodox Church.

**~~removeduser_487563287433~~** · December 28, 2007, 05:29 AM

Originally Posted by Grobar

Orthodox church in Holy land was founded by Apostles from the beginning. Latin Patriarch and Catholics arrived with Crusades in 11th century. Armenian Patriarchate was established in 13th century.
Holy sites belong to Orthodox church. I don't suppose Catholics and Protestants would be willing to share properties of their churches around the world with Orthodox Church.

There are many interdominational churches in the UK. There's no defence for this disgraceful behaviour.

**~~Ummon~~** · December 28, 2007, 02:57 AM

Originally Posted by Jabberwock

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/...ing.clergy.ap/

I haven't heard of something as funny as this in a long time.

I remember Buddhist monks fighting over a monastery recently in Korea. Does this make all Buddhists fools? Aside this, since there is a "no generalization" preemptive label:

Insted of making fun of others, worry about not following their "bad" example.

**Dayman** · December 28, 2007, 04:42 AM

It makes those who are doing it fools, especially over something so stupid as religion. It's like kids fighting over who's dad loves them more, except in this case the dad is nonexistent.