Catholic World News News Feature

Palestinian Christians fear creation of Islamic state December 07, 2004

In Bethlehem, preparations for Christmas are more energetic this year, with Christians expecting a greater number of pilgrims. But Palestinian Christians are also worried about the creation of an Islamic state, the AsiaNews service reports.

"Palestinian Christians have no illusions as to the new political situation," reported nuns from Baby Caritas Hospital, the pediatric hospital in Bethlehem. "Christians fear they are becoming a shrinking minority, overwhelmed by Muslims who are having more children,” the nuns observed. The rapid emigration of young Christians, and the pressure of Islamic radicalism, makes life steadily more difficulty for the Christian minority. Still, for now the nuns are delighted that more pilgrims are scheduling trips to Bethlehem this year, to join in the celebrations that reach their climax with the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in the Basilica of the Nativity. [For a more detailed story see the AsiaNews web site.]