Perspectives: Christianity and Islam …that the Palestinian
authorities have a policy intended to change the demography,
particularly of Bethlehem, and that this was successful pointing
to the fact that in 1947 Christians comprised 78 percent of the
population of Bethlehem, and now they represent less than 23
percent of the population. An obvious reason for this decline is
the low birth rate among Christians as compared to the Muslims
in the area — Christians more than Muslims are influenced by the
values of western secularism. Another reason Christians are
emigrating is because of Israeli-imposed travel restrictions,
e.g. permits, checkpoints, etc. The Palestinian authorities have
upheld, and continue to uphold, equal rights for Christians.
Although this does not mean there has never been incidents of
discrimination, but those incidents are the exception rather
than the rule. Historically, there have always been two
Christian ministers in every government body. Israeli law
stipulates that six council seats be