Church of Nativity becomes World Heritage Site

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Pilgrimage Route have become the latest World Heritage Sites.

Unesco announced the additions on Friday, after the World Heritage Committee meeting in St Petersburg, Russia, voted 13-to-6 in favour.

The church is venerated by Christians around the world as the site traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Christ.

The site’s listing has angered Israel which sees it as part of efforts by Palestine to assert its claims to statehood.

Hanan Ashrawi, head of the Palestine Liberation Organisation’s Department of Culture and Information said the move was a “welcome recognition by the international community of our historical and cultural rights in this land”.

The nomination of the Church of the Nativity was Palestine’s first since being accepted as a Unesco member eight months ago.

News
Churches must do more to equip Christians for evangelism, says J John
Churches must do more to equip Christians for evangelism, says J John

Churches need to devote more time and resources to evangelism and do more to equip their members to share their faith with non-Christians, evangelist Canon J John has said.

Bishop urges churches to embrace growing interest in Christianity
Bishop urges churches to embrace growing interest in Christianity

The Bishop of Blackburn has called on churches across Lancashire to prepare for a renewed interest in Christianity, saying there are encouraging signs of a “rebirth” among young people and families exploring faith.

Young people are finding their way to the Christian faith through media, says bishop
Young people are finding their way to the Christian faith through media, says bishop

Bishop Ruth Bushyager says an exciting shift is happening after years of unfulfilling secularism.

John Lennox urges Christians to overcome fear of sharing their faith
John Lennox urges Christians to overcome fear of sharing their faith

“What we all can do is to share what Christ has done for us,” he said.