The "Infamous Ladder" at Holy Sepulcher Church

Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the holiest site in Christianity.  This is without question.  The Church also has its "darker" side.  Certainly, the "infamous ladder" above the entrance is a part of that history.

The ladder stood out today as I visited the Church.  Upon returning home, I "googled" its origin.  Not surprising, there are any number of explanations for the ladder's presence.  In fact, the ladder appears in the paintings of David Roberts in the early 19th century.  If not this ladder, then a ladder like it has served whatever purpose called for its placement on the ledge years and years ago.

Here's perhaps the most reasonable explanation for the ladder to this day.  The windows belong to the Armenian Orthodox and the ledge to the Greek Orthodox.  With the "Status Quo" ruling which seeks to control hostilities and protect the six churches' rights, the ladder must remain in place.  Neither Church can act unilaterally and dispose of the ladder.  Therefore, a ladder which appears useless remains at the entrance to call the Church of Jesus to humility and unity.