CLERGYMEN BRAWL WITH BROOMSTICKS

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204632204577126303411250464.html
DECEMBER 28, 2011, 1:33 P.M. ET.

BETHLEHEM, West Bank-A brawl has erupted between rival clergymen
participating in an annual cleaning ritual at the church built at
what Christians regard as Jesus' traditional birthplace.

Armenian clergymen scuffle with police and Greek Orthodox clergymen
during the annual cleaning of the Church of Nativity in the West Bank
town of Bethlehem.

.Armenian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox clergymen screamed at each other
and beat each other with broomsticks during Wednesday's cleanup inside
the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem.

They were tidying up the church ahead of Orthodox Christmas
celebrations in early January.

The two denominations each control sections of the church and fiercely
guard their turf. The violence broke out when the sides accused each
other of crossing into each other's territory. Similar fights have
taken place in past years.

Palestinian security forces broke up the melee, and no serious injuries
were reported.