Med India – Rival Christian Faiths Come Together to Restore Church of Nativity

Different Christian faiths in Bethlehem have forgotten their rivalries and are working towards achieving a common goal, restoring the ancient basilica of the Church of Nativity.

Built in the fourth century by the Roman Emperor Constantine and restored by Justinian after a fire in the sixth century, the shrine over the cave where Jesus is believed to have been born is undergoing a major renovation.

The project, which will see the entire church restored, began last September and is expected to cost 15 million euros ($20 million).

Following a historic agreement between the Palestinian Authority and the three churches that administer the site in an uneasy partnership, repairing the roof was designated as a priority.

Its rotting rafters, each weighing 20 tonnes, have not been repaired for the past 200 years.

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