Priests Get In Brawl Outside Christianity's Holiest Shrine

[matcom]

<snip>

JERUSALEM -- Greek Orthodox and Franciscan priests got into a fist fight Monday at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Christianity's holiest shrine, after arguing over whether a door in the basilica should be closed during a procession.

Dozens of people, including several Israeli police officers, were slightly hurt in the brawl at the shrine, built over the spot where tradition says Jesus was crucified and buried.

Four priests were detained, police spokesman Shmulik Ben-Ruby said.

Custody of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is shared by several denominations that jealously guard territory and responsibilities under a fragile deal hammered out over the last centuries. Any perceived encroachment on one group's turf can lead to vicious feuds, sometimes lasting hundreds of years.

Monday's fight broke out during a procession of hundreds of Greek Orthodox worshippers commemorating the 4th century pilgrimage by Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, to Jerusalem. Tradition says that during the trip, Helena found the cross on which Jesus had been crucified.

http://www.wftv.com/newsofthestrange/3763065/detail.html

[Spider Jerusalem]

1. Wow. I didn't know Franciscans went in for that sort of thing.

Jesuits wouldn't surprise me, though.

[GOPisEvil]

2. Jeeez...the pope just met with the head of the Orthodox church after 1000

years, and now this. Fellas, can't we all just get along?

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

3. cripes

what dolts

[Goldmund]

4. Now THAT'S a reality show I'd watch.

[TheMightyFavog]

5. It's worldwide religious wrestling!

Llllllllllllllllet's get ready to hummmmmmmmblllllllllllllllllllllle!


(Yes, I know I blatantly stole that from Robin Williams, so fucking shoot me already.)