Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

May 2016 – Christians in Israel have decreased from 3% of the population in 1949 to 2% in 2014, according to statistics cited in a Pew Research survey. In the same period, the percentage of Jews decreased from 86% to 75%, and Muslims increased from 9% to 18%.

Of the 2% Christians, 96% are Arab, and all were born in Israel or East Jerusalem. Most belong to Catholic or Orthodox churches. Just 0.5% are Messianic Jews or Protestants. Almost all were raised as Christians, and say they have a strong sense of belonging to the Christian people and that most of their close friends are Christians.

When it comes to faith practices and beliefs, 57% of Israeli Christians say their faith is very important, compared to 30% of Jews and 68% of Muslims. About one third pray daily or attend church weekly, while 48% believe many religions lead to eternal life. Two thirds believe Jesus is God and the Bible is the literal Word of God.

christianitytoday.com, 3/8/16; pewforum.org, 3/8/16