Palestine after Arafat: Christian leaders express hope and concern

The appointment of Palestinian Parliament speaker Rawhi Fattuh as an interim leader and the scheduling of elections for Jan. 9 are positive signs following the Nov. 11 death of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, said Munib Younan, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan (and Palestine).

Both actions accord with the Palestinian constitution, which is in draft form. "It is good news [to see] how they implemented the constitution," Younan noted, saying it sends a message that the document should be respected by all Palestinians.

"Mr. Arafat was very positive to Christians and was a big supporter of Christians in the Palestinian Authority," said Younan, noting that Arafat had always appointed one or two Christians to government positions.