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Israel Cities & Sites: Christ Church

“For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.” (Romans 11:32)

Located inside the Jaffa Gate of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Christ Church is the oldest Protestant church in the Middle East. Originally called Apostolic Anglican Church, this church was consecrated in 1849 by Bishop Samuel Gobat. It quickly became known as the “Jewish Protestant Church.”

Christ Church was founded by Michael Solomon Alexander, a Jewish Rabbi who converted to Christianity and eventually became Israel’s first Anglican Bishop. Bishop Alexander strongly believed that learning Hebrew and studying Jewish sources from the Second Temple Period was vital for Christians to fully understand the roots of their faith. 

Today the church is comprised primarily of English speaking expatriates and welcomes tourists to join their services. The facilities are also shared with a Messianic Hebrew congregation, which meets on Saturdays.


Sources: America Israel Travel