Heads of churches say Israeli government is demanding they pay property tax, upsetting status quo
The heads of major Christian denominations in Israel say that local governments across the country are demanding they pay property tax, violating a longstanding arrangement in a manner they say reflects growing intolerance for Christians in the Holy Land.
![In a test of faith, Christians mark Good Friday in isolation](https://www.local10.com/resizer/8eIfohyG5stj_gFm05cKtpD6lfo=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/U7DFUO5AP5G2PPALCCEGVIAANY.jpg)
In a test of faith, Christians mark Good Friday in isolation
Christians are commemorating Jesus' crucifixion without the solemn church services or emotional processions of past years, marking Good Friday in a world locked down by the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)JERUSALEM – On the day set aside to mark Christ’s crucifixion, most churches stood empty. Instead, Christians around the world commemorated Good Friday behind closed doors, seeking solace in online services and trying to uphold centuries-old traditions in a world locked down by the coronavirus pandemic. In St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis presided over a candle-lit procession, with nurses and doctors among those holding a torch. In the Philippines, where churchgoers were told to stay home, Josille Sabsal treated the moment as a test of faith.