Israel's Restrictions on Religious Gatherings Spark Controversy

The Greek Orthodox Church has accused Israel Police of infringing on the freedom of worshipers by imposing "heavy-handed" restrictions on the number of pilgrims who can attend the "Holy Fire" ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Israel says the limits are necessary for safety, but Christian leaders argue that the ceremony has been held for centuries without incident. The source of the Holy Fire has been a closely guarded secret for centuries, and the flame will be transferred to Orthodox communities in other countries on special flights.