The Cabinet decided unanimously Sunday that construction of the Jerusalem branch of the Mormon Brigham Young University on Mount Scopus should continue, as proposed by the Ministerial committee set up to investigate the matter following Orthodox complaints that the institution was a cover for missionary and conversion activities.
But the Cabinet ruled that special provisions would be made to ensure that no missionary activities would be carried on there.
The Ministerial committee has been examining the issue for over eight months and last week concluded that there was no legal way to halt construction, now nearing completion. The Cabinet Sunday officially approved the committee recommendations.
One of the main factors in the decision was evidence by the Justice Ministry that in its opinion the Salt Lake City-based university had obtained all the necessary permits for its Mount Scopus annex, and there were no legal grounds to stop the project.
The Cabinet, however, decided to add a rider to the land sale agreement which would demand a written assurance that no missionary work be carried out in or from the institution. In addition, the Ministerial committee is to act as watchdog group to ensure that the assurance is honored.
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