Rival groups of Greek Orthodox and Armenian clerics brawled at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity while tourists looked on. About 100 priests fought with brooms while cleaning the church, built on the spot where Christians believe Jesus was born, in preparation for Orthodox Christmas Jan. 7. Palestinian police armed with batons and shields broke up the clashes. "No one was arrested because all those involved were men of God," said Lt. Col. Khaled al-Tamimi of Bethlehem police. "It was a trivial problem that ... occurs every year."
