Schooling and Catechesis in the Holy Land: Challenges and Responses

Abstract

Catholic Churches in the Middle East and especially in the Holy Land live in a society characterized by its religious pluralism; different churches and different religions coexist in the same land. Catholic Churches in the Middle East in general and in the Holy Land in particular live in a society of religious pluralism: different churches and different religions. In our Christian East, many religious and racial confl icts originated in the past that created numerous divisions and churches divided in terms of race, religion, and language. Unfortunately, these divisions still exit. Moreover, the three great monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have originated in the East. Each religion in the area has a great history and distinguished worshipping places, related to its origin and its development throughout ages. Today, the followers of these religions live mainly in harmony. However, sometimes many confl icts arise. In the past, this area has been through great confl icts in the name of the religions as a result of the regional and world politics. The location of this area is very sensitive. Geographically and historically speaking it is considered the link between three continents. Also, a sea and land passage for traders, invaders, and pilgrims.