Archbishop of Canterbury apologises for refusing to fulfill Palestinian Christian leader

The Archbishop of Canterbury has publicly apologised after refusing to fulfill a pastor from Bethlehem during his visit to the UK.

Archbishop Justin Welby declined to fulfill Rev Dr Munther Isaac after the pastor shared a platform with Jeremy Corbyn at a pro-Palestinian rally last month.

Dr Isaac, pastor of the Christmas Evangelical Lutheran church in Bethlehem, has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack. 

In the run-up to Christmas, his Nativity with baby Jesus in rubble went viral. 

He was certainly one of the speakers at a recent rally in London led by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign. It was attended by hundreds of people that demanded a ceasefire in Gaza.

He also led a prayer vigil outside the House of Commons where he repeated his call for a ceasefire.

Archbishop Welby said in a press release that it was “improper” not to fulfill with him. They are actually scheduled to fulfill next week. 

“Recently I declined to fulfill with Rev Dr Munther Isaac during his UK visit,” he said.

“I apologise for and deeply regret this decision, and the hurt, anger, and confusion it caused.

“I used to be improper not to fulfill with my brother in Christ from the Holy Land, especially right now of profound suffering for our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters. I look ahead to speaking and praying with him next week.”

Dr Isaac has welcomed the apology. 

“Thank you Archbishop Justin Welby,” he tweeted. “I welcome this statement, and I look ahead to our meeting next week as brothers in Christ.”