Church at the Crossroads

NOV 5-7, 2026

A gathering of Christians who recognize that the church stands at a crossroads

& that Jesus is urgently calling us back to the narrow way of the cross.

Nov 5-7, 2026
Atlanta, Georgia

All are welcome.

On behalf of the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice, we are grateful to announce the second edition of the Church at the Crossroads conference! This gathering is hosted by Palestinian Christians for believers who want to grapple with what faithful Gospel witness requires at this defining moment in history after the destruction of Gaza. For many of us, inherited interpretations of the Bible have shaped how we answer questions of justice and faithfulness, and the situation in Palestine and Israel is forcing the church to reckon with both our responsibility and witness in the face of so much violence and suffering.

Palestinian Christians have followed Jesus in the Holy Land for nearly two thousand years. Their experience of faith — shaped by the land, the history, and the present reality of life and devastation in Palestine — carries profound and urgent insight for the American church.

At this crossroads, our Gospel witness is at stake.

Jesus is calling the Church — not to comfort, but to faithfulness.

Will we follow?

Some of Our speakers

  • Munther Isaac

    Palestinian pastor, Director of the BIPJ, author of Christ in the Rubble

  • Anton Deik

    Palestinian theologian and scholar, BIPJ Executive Director

  • Lamma Mansour

    Palestinian Sociologist from Nazareth

  • Peter Beinart

    Journalist, political commentator, author of Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza

  • Cristal Silva

    Pastor and Assistant Professor of Evangelism and Missions

  • Daniel Bannoura

    Palestinian theologian, host of ‘Across the Divide’ Podcast, BIPJ Director of Public Engagement

  • Kevin Brown

    Founding pastor of The Perfecting Church

  • Alex Awad

    Palestinian missionary and former Dean of Students and Director of Shepherd’s Society at Bethlehem Bible College

  • Alexis Bonilla

    Palestinian-American Creative and Strategic Storyteller

  • Safwat Marzouk

    Pastor and Associate Professor of Old Testament

  • Yousef Al-Khouri

    Palestinian theologian and scholar, Academic Dean of Bethlehem Bible College

Church at the crossroads 2025

TestimonialS

“CATX was not just a conference - it was an act of holy resistance to harmful ideologies saturated with peace and hope and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I believe it was the single most significant conference I've ever attended and I walked away not only more committed to justice, but more in love with Jesus."

-CATX’25 Attendee

About the Conference

Our Declaration

Our response to the public Calls of Palestinian Christians

We invite you, fellow Christians in America and beyond, to sign this statement with us as a declaration of allegiance to the crucified and risen Christ who calls us to love our neighbor, seek justice, and walk humbly with God.

Our Declaration

Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Glad you’ve asked! Check out our ‘About’ page for a more detailed description of the conference.

  • More information coming soon on different recommendations for lodging.

  • No. Church at the Crossroads welcomes Christians from all denominations who are committed to justice, peace, and learning from the larger body of Christ, including Palestinian Christians.

  • Absolutely! Church at the Crossroads is a space for learning, unlearning, and growth. We welcome those who are just beginning to explore these issues, including people who may have questions, hesitations, or have never heard Palestinian Christian perspectives before. You don’t need to have it all figured out—just come with an open heart and a willingness to listen.

  • Our Virtual Pass ($99) includes access to a livestream of main sessions and recordings will be available for 14 days after the event.

  • A detailed schedule will be posted closer to the event on our website and shared with registrants. The conference will include plenary sessions, workshops, worship, and community activities, running from Thursday noontime through Saturday afternoon.

  • Yes, and we encourage it! Many of us were once unsure how to engage these issues or were taught theological perspectives that didn’t address justice. The conference is a place for dialogue, compassion, and transformation. Invite your friends, pastors, peers - especially those who are willing to listen and learn.