WCC Media Advisory: Exhibition “Bethlehem Reborn – Palestine – The Wonders of the Nativity”

The exhibition “Bethlehem Reborn” tells a story that goes beyond the history of politics and art to reveal, through the restoration works of the Church of the Nativity, an overdue recognition of the outstanding universal value of Palestinian heritage to humanity. When: 12 September - 5 October 2023 (open for public from 13 September 2023) From Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Where: Ecumenical Center 1 Route des Morillons, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex Geneva, Switzerland This exhibition gives an impression of the wonder this unique church is: An invitation to visit Palestine, admire the beauty of the basilica and the holy city of Bethlehem as well as an inspiration to work together for unity, justice and peace. Following unprecedented renovations that lasted almost ten years, the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem has been restored to its original beauty. A symbol of humanity has been given back to the faithful all over the world and to today’s pilgrims who follow in the footsteps of the women and men who over the centuries have venerated the birthplace of Jesus. Through the discoveries of new archaeological excavations and complex restoration works, this exhibition tells the story of renewed devotion – from the time of the first Christians who venerated a simple grotto to the age of the Byzantine emperors who built one of the most magnificent basilicas of antiquity that later on was fortified and lavishly decorated by the knights who founded the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem.  By documenting restoration work and archaeological excavations, the exhibition constructs a broader and deeper story that embraces the entire space of the basilica from the system of grottos to the roof, showing its development from the oldest periods up to the present day.  Through its five areas/sections, the exhibition uses the nearly completed restoration project as a thread that stitches together the even greater history of the oldest monument in Christendom. The exhibition is promoted by: State of Palestine Higher Presidential Committee of Churches Affairs in Palestine Presidential Committee for the Restoration of the Church of the Nativity Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Holy See Geneva exhibition organized by: Permanent Mission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations and other international organizations World Council of Churches Media contact: Marianne Ejdersten, WCC Communication director Email: mej@wcc-coe.org +41 79 507 6363 WCC: +41 22 791 61 11   WCC Communication Department:  +41 22 791 61 11 Email: media@wcc-coe.org   Media interested to attend the opening of the exhibition on 12 September at 17:00-18:30 CEST at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, please email media@wcc-coe.org at the latest 12 September at 10am.  Live-stream link to the opening ceremony on 12 September  WCC Event page "WCC to welcome “Bethlehem Reborn” exhibit" - WCC news release 6 September 2023 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland