Jerusalem is too precious to be dependent solely on municipal or national political authorities, whoever they may be. Experience shows that an international guarantee is necessary. Experience shows that such local authorities, for political reasons or the claims of security, sometimes are required to violate the rights of free access to the Holy Places. Therefore it is necessary to accord Jerusalem a special statue which will allow Jerusalem not to be victimised by laws imposed as a result of hostilities or wars but to be an open city which transcends local, regional or world political troubles. We call upon all parties concerned to comprehend and accept the nature and deep significance of Jerusalem, the City of God.
None can appropriate it in exclusivist ways.
We invite each party to go beyond all exclusivist visions or actions, and without discrimination, to consider the religious and national aspirations of others, in order to give back to Jerusalem its true universal character and to make of the city a holy place of reconciliation for humankind. Signed by Greek Orthodon Patriarch, Latin Patriarch, Armenian Patriarch, Custos or the Holy Land, Coptic Archbishop, Syriac Archbishop, Ethiopian Archbishop, Anglican Bishop, Greek-Cath. Vicar, Lutheran Bishop, Maronite Patriarchal Vicar, Cath.