Israel- Vatican Continue Negotiations On Status and Taxation of Church

Zenit reports that the Bilateral Permanent Working Commission between the Holy See and the State of Israel met in the Vatican on June 12 to discuss an agreement that has been under negotiation for the last 13 years. The agreement relates to the life, activity and tax status of the Catholic Church in Israel, but does not deal with Church properties in Jerusalem or the West Bank. A communique issued after the meeting stated: "The Parties have agreed on future steps and to hold the next plenary meeting on 6 December 2012 at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs."