The Anglican Church says Israeli officials are refusing to renew the residency visa of its top official in the Holy Land.

Church spokesman Hussam Naoum said Sunday that Israel's Interior Ministry has refused to renew the visa of the Right Rev. Suheil Dawani since September.

Naoum says the church kept the issue quiet while they tried to lobby officials, but decided to go public after receiving no response. Dawani, who is Palestinian, is remaining in Jerusalem illegally.

Dawani is responsible for 7,000 Anglicans who live in Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

The church says Israel has accused Dawani of improperly selling property to Palestinians.

The Interior Ministry did not return messages seeking comment.