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Document Details : Title: British Attitudes towards the Arab Orthodox Christians of Jerusalem, 1917-1930s Author(s): BRYER, Helen Journal: Journal of Eastern Christian Studies Volume: 63 Issue: 1-2 Date: 2011 Pages: 143-187 DOI: 10.2143/JECS.63.1.2149618 Abstract : The British administration of Palestine began in December 1917 with the triumphal entry of General Allenby into Jerusalem. The British had a clear awareness of the history and religious significance of the land and city of which they had taken control, and this paper seeks to examine the underlying sensibilities which informed their policies towards the Arab Orthodox Christians of the country during a period (1917 - mid 1930s) in which British attitudes were being formulated and developed, both within the Administration itself and among missionaries and the Church of England. This was also a period of considerable re-adjustment for the Orthodox Church in Palestine, as it came to terms with political change, the virtual disappearance of the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church from Jerusalem, and the increasing impact of Arab nationalism. While questions regarding the nature of the Mandate and Orientalism remain, it is clear that the appeal of the exotic and the power of religious traditions, values and beliefs vitally influenced those responsible for the governance of the British Mandate in Palestine. |
