The Israeli press coverage was a little more colorful. For instance, there is a section of the church that needs renovation (and, in fact, is apparently in danger of collapsing). However, no one will let the renovation happen because no one agrees on who the space belongs to nor who should authorize the renovation.

Also, at the entrance to the church, there is a ladder on the right-hand wall. I had noticed it, but never given it much thought. It turns out, though, that this ladder has been there since the 19th century because no one can agree on who has the authority to move it.

That makes me smile for some reason.

I would have given anything to be there to watch the police with those long rifles separating the monks and then around the room guarding against further Christian-on-Christian violence.