German Church Denounces Destruction of Jesus Statue in Lebanon

(MENAFN) Germany’s Protestant Church has strongly criticized the destruction of a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon by an Israeli soldier, saying the act represents an unacceptable violation of religious symbols and urging broader efforts to de-escalate violence in the Middle East.

A spokesperson for the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD), which represents more than 17 million Protestants, said: “There is no justification for the desecration of religious symbols. As the Protestant Church, we condemn the recent act committed by a member of the Israeli army in southern Lebanon.”

The statement also noted and welcomed the Israeli government’s response distancing itself from the incident and pledging disciplinary measures against the soldier involved.

The EKD reiterated its appeal for a peaceful settlement to ongoing conflicts in the region, stressing the importance of human rights and dignity for all communities. “We recall the appeal by senior clergy of the Protestant Church and the humanitarian organization Bread for the World for an end to the violence in the Middle East,” the spokesperson said. “The goal must be a just and sustainable peace that guarantees security, dignity and life prospects for all people in the region.”

The condemnation follows the circulation of an image showing an Israeli soldier using a sledgehammer to destroy a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon, an incident that drew widespread criticism from religious and political figures internationally.

In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar described the act as “grave and disgraceful,” saying that an investigation had been launched to ensure accountability.

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