“Is Christian Zionism a Harmful and Damaging Ideology”

Thursday, January 22, 2026

6:00pm Israel & South Africa/5:00pm Central Europe, DRC & Nigeria/4:00pm UK & Liberia/11:00am Eastern US/10:00am Central US/8:00am Pacific

This week the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem issued a joint statement explicitly condemning Christian Zionism as a harmful and damaging ideology. Their statement accuses local individuals who promote it of misleading public opinion, sowing confusion, and undermining the unity of the Church. They denounce such initiatives, backed by political actors in Israel and abroad, as pursuing agendas that threaten the Christian presence in the Holy Land and the Middle East. Further, their statement reaffirms their exclusive authority as the legitimate representatives of the apostolic Christian communities, citing Romans 12:5 to emphasize unity and to reject external interference.

The statement further states, “The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches further note with concern that these individuals have been welcomed at official levels both locally and internationally.” It’s ironic that days earlier, Christian leaders throughout Israel were welcomed and celebrated by Israel’s head of state, President Herzog, at the President’s residence, hosted with honor and respect. Does this statement poke the president in the eye, and undermine the very existence of the State of Israel? Is Christian Zionism harmful and damaging? What is the theological basis of such a declaration? Why are there so many Christians who embrace Zionism, from the 19^th century? Why was the statement issued now, and who is behind it?  What does it mean that Zionism was singled out as problematic, but Israel was not mentioned once?

We will be joined by four outstanding panelists. Shirley Burdick is a 5th generation Chinese Christian. She immigrated to the US at age 17. In 2000, she and her husband Bill came to Israel for the first time and were astonished by the restoration of Israel by God and the Jewish people. From 2008 – 2018, she volunteered in the Land. Afterwards, she and Bill created the nonprofit, Ten Gentiles, with Christian and Jewish friends, inspired by Zechariah 8:23 to equip and engage Christians to participate in God’s restoration of Israel alongside the Jewish people. Nicole Jansezian is a respected American-born journalist living in Israel for two decades whose writing has appeared widely around the world. She is host of “The Inside Scoop Jerusalem” podcast. In her reporting, Nicole focuses on and highlights the Christian communities in the Holy Land. Pastor Tod McDowell served for fifteen years with the world’s largest missions organization, Youth With A Mission. In 2010, he became the Executive Director of Caleb Global. Tod travels around the world teaching in missions and ministry schools, as well as in churches and conferences. He resides in Nashville with his wife, with whom he has four amazing children, and he is blessed with three grandchildren. Dr. André Villeneuve is a Catholic theologian, biblical scholar, and Associate Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. André received his Ph.D. from Hebrew University. After moving to Jerusalem, André worked for the ICEJ. He worked for the Hebrew-speaking Catholic community, and for the Commission for Pilgrimages and the Christian Media Center in Jerusalem. Leading pilgrimages to Israel, he fosters reconciliation of Israel and the Church through Catholics for Israel.

Participation is limited. Advanced registration is required. The program will also be available and can be followed on the Genesis 123 Foundation Facebook page and YouTube channel. For details, to become a sponsor, or to partner with us, please contact Gen123Fdn@gmail.com.  

Jonathan Feldstein President, Genesis 123 Foundation+972-53-761-4220|www.Genesis123.co