The theme for the visit, inspired by the Church’s recent Jubilee Year, is: A Land of Promise: Encounter and Dialogue with People of Hope.

The Holy Land Co-ordination is a pastoral and ecclesial gathering, rooted in prayer, reflection, and attentive listening to the Christian communities and peoples of the Holy Land. The celebration of Mass is central to each day and shapes the rhythm of the meeting. 

Bishops attending will represent the Episcopal Conferences of England and Wales, Italy, Germany, the Nordic countries, Ireland, France, the United States, Scotland, Canada, and Spain.

Delegates from the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) and the Anglican Church will also attend, alongside representatives of Catholic organisations working to support the region’s people.

The meeting will be moderated by Bishop Nicholas Hudson, Bishop of Plymouth and Chair of the International Department of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.  

The visit will combine meetings with representatives of the local Church with pastoral visits and encounter with local communities. A particular emphasis is placed on support, solidarity and care for the Living Stones – the Christians of the region.

Programme

A busy programme includes a visit to the Comboni Sisters to witness their pastoral and humanitarian ministry among Bedouin communities, marked by long-term presence, care for families, and a quiet commitment to dignity and justice at the margins of society. The Sisters’ work supporting Bedouin women was recently recognised with a Caritas Internationalis ‘Weavers of Hope’ award.

The local Church features prominently in the programme. The bishops meet with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Apostolic Nuncio to Israel, His Excellency Archbishop Yilana, who is also Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine.

They will also participate in an online meeting with Fr Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest serving the small Catholic community in Gaza that sheltered hundreds who lost their homes during the conflict.

Further meetings will take place with the Saint James Vicariate, with members of the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, and with Rabbis for Human Rights. Delegates will also hear about the work and ministry of the John Paul II Foundation, which focuses on human and community advancement.  

Additional pastoral visits include the Ephpheta Paul VI Institute in Bethlehem, which provides rehabilitation and education for deaf children from across the Palestinian Territories, and the Taybeh Elderly Home.

The delegation will visit the Latin Patriarchal Seminary which forms the future pastoral life of the local Church through prayer, study, and service, supporting both ordained ministry and Lay Adult Formation for service across the Holy Land in demanding circumstances.

Finally, a meeting will take place with the Parents Circle – Families Forum, a joint Israeli–Palestinian organisation of more than 800 bereaved families, all of whom have lost an immediate family member to the ongoing conflict. In the midst of profound personal loss, members of the Parents Circle have chosen a courageous path: to transform their grief into a commitment to reconciliation, dialogue, and peace.

A vital element of every Co-ordination meeting is celebrating Sunday Mass with a local community. This year, the bishops will celebrate Mass with the parishioners of Christ the Redeemer in Taybeh, spending the day in the village to listen, to share life, and to hear directly of the challenges faced by its people.

Bishop Delegates

Rt Rev Nicholas Hudson
Bishop of Plymouth
Moderator of the Holy Land Coordination
Chair of the International Affairs Department, Bishops’ Conference
England and Wales

Rt Rev Nicolo Anselmi
Bishop of Rimini
Italy

Most Rev Udo Bentz
Archbishop of Paderborn
Germany

Rt Rev Peter Burcher
Bishop Emeritus of Reykjavik
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland

Rt Rev James Curry
Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster.
International Affairs Department, Bishops’ Conference.
England and Wales

Rt Rev Paul Dempsey
Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin
Ireland

Rt Rev Michel Dubost C.I.M.
Bishop Emeritus of Evry-Corbeil-Essonnes.
France

Most Rev Antoine Herouard
Archbishop of Dijon
Co-President of Justice & Peace, Europe
Vice-President of COMECE
France

Rt Rev Joseph Kopacz
Bishop of Jackson
International Justice and Peace Department, Bishops’ Conference
United States of America

Most Rev William Nolan
Archbishop of Glasgow
Justice and Peace Scotland
Scotland

Rt Rev Christian Rodembourg M.S.A.
Bishop of Saint-Hyacinthe
Canada

Most Rev Joan Enric Vives Sicilia
Bishop Emeritus of Urgell
Spain

Rt Rev Abdallah Elias Zaidan
Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon
Chair of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, Bishops’ Conference
United States of America

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However, we are aware that the end of the war does not mean the end of the conflict. It is therefore necessary to seriously and credibly address the deep-rooted issues that have been at the root of this conflict for far too long. Genuine and lasting peace can only be achieved through a just solution that addresses the origin of this long-standing struggle. This requires a long process, a willingness to acknowledge each other’s suffering and a focused education in trust that leads to overcoming fear of the other and the justification of violence as a political tool.

We pray that this ceasefire will bring a sense of serenity and relief to all. May this moment of calm allow all to find solace, rebuild their lives and regain hope for the future.

We sincerely hope that this ceasefire marks the beginning of a new path towards reconciliation, justice and sustainable peace. May this be the first step on a path that promotes healing and unity among all the people of the Holy Land.

We eagerly await the return of pilgrims to the Holy Places in the Holy Land. The Holy Places are meant to be places of prayer and peace, and we long for the day when pilgrims can visit them again in safety and spiritual joy.

Despite the pain we have suffered, we continue to look to the future with unwavering hope. May this ceasefire inspire new efforts for dialog, mutual understanding and lasting peace for all. At the beginning of the Jubilee Year dedicated to hope that does not disappoint, we read in this event a sign that reminds us of God’s faithfulness.

Finally, we call on political leaders and the international community to develop a clear and just political vision for the post-war period. A future built on dignity, security and freedom for all peoples is a prerequisite for true and lasting peace. We urge all parties to implement the immediate steps and negotiate the future steps of the agreement in good faith.

May the Lord bless this land with peace and lead us all on the path of reconciliation and healing.

Source: lpj.org

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Statement

As people of peace, we pray for an end to the airstrikes, shooting, missile attacks, and communal violence engulfing the Holy Land.

Pope Francis reminds us that: “Every act of violence committed against a human being is a wound in humanity’s flesh; every violent death diminishes us as people.”

The local churches have clearly stated that peace requires justice. We echo their calls for an end to the occupation, discrimination and human rights violations that propagate violent attacks on civilians, standing in the way of a stable and peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis.

We reaffirm our commitment to the internationally recognised status of Jerusalem, the Status Quo of its holy sites, and the equal rights of Jews, Christians and Muslims in the city.

At this critical time let us also offer our support to those humanitarian organisations working tirelessly to save lives and alleviate suffering.

Bishop Declan Lang
Lead Bishop for International Affairs
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
Chair of the Holy Land Coordination

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The special character of Jerusalem, the Holy City, with the existing Status Quo, compels all parties to preserve the already sensitive situation in the Holy City of Jerusalem. The growing tension, backed mainly by right-wing radical groups, endangers the already fragile reality in and around Jerusalem. 

We call upon the International Community and all people of good will to intervene in order to put an end to these provocative actions, as well as to continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. 

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem

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The violence used against the worshippers undermines their safety and their rights to have access to the Holy Places and worship freely. The forced eviction of Palestinians from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah is also an unacceptable violation of the most fundamental human rights, the right to a home. It is a question of justice for the inhabitants of the city to live, pray and work, each according to his/her own dignity; a dignity bestowed upon humanity by God himself.

Regarding the situation in Sheik Jarrah, we echo the words of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights who said that the rule of law is being “applied in an inherently discriminatory manner”. This has become a main flashpoint amid rising tensions in Jerusalem in general. The issue today is not a matter of a real-estate dispute between private parties. It is rather an attempt driven by an extremist ideology which denies the right of existence of a person in his own home.

Also of particular concern is the right to access the Holy Places. Palestinian worshippers have been denied access to Al Aqsa Mosque during this month of Ramadan. These demonstrations of strength wound the spirit and soul of the Holy City, whose vocation is to be open and welcoming; to be a home for all believers, with equal rights and dignity and duties.

The historic position of the Churches in Jerusalem is clear with regards to our denouncement of any attempt which makes Jerusalem an exclusive city for anyone. This is a city sacred to the three monotheistic religions and, based on international law and relevant UN resolutions, also a city where the Palestinian people, Christians and Muslims, have the same right to build a future based on freedom, equality and peace. We also call for an utter respect for the historic Status Quo of all Holy Places, including Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound.

The authority that controls the city should protect the special character of Jerusalem, called to be the heart of the Abrahamic faiths, a place of prayer and meeting, open to all and where all believers and citizens, of every faith and belonging, can feel at home, protected and guaranteed.

Our Church has been clear that peace requires justice. Insofar as far as the rights of everyone, Israelis and Palestinians, are not upheld and respected, there will be no justice and therefore no peace in the city. It is our duty not to ignore injustice nor any aggression against human dignity regardless of who is committing them.

We call upon the International Community, the Churches and all people of goodwill to intervene in order to put an end to these provocative actions, and to continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We join in prayer with the intention of the Holy Father Pope Francis that “the multi-religious and multi-cultural identity of the Holy City might be respected and that fraternity might prevail.”

Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

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We stand alongside the Holy Land’s Christian leaders, who have warned that the Israeli Government’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank after 1 July “would bring about the loss of any remaining hope for the success of the peace process.”

All our Churches are committed to promoting justice and peace for everyone who calls the Holy Land their home. If annexation proceeds, it would gravely undermine international law with serious consequences for the common good of our global society.

The UK Government should do everything in its power to deter annexation. Only a robust response, working alongside others in the international community, can help to prevent this tragedy.

We remain united in prayer that plans for annexation will be abandoned, allowing for renewed efforts towards a negotiated solution that upholds the human dignity of Palestinians and Israelis alike.

Rt Rev Declan Lang
Bishop of Clifton
Catholic Church

Derek Estill
Moderator of the General Assembly
United Reformed Church

Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair
Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of Scotland

Paul Parker
Recording Clerk
Quakers in Britain

Rev Dr Jonathan Hustler
Secretary of the Methodist Conference

Rt Rev Christopher Chessun
Bishop of Southwark
Church of England

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These letters followed the recent warning from the leaders of Churches in the Holy Land that the Government of Israel’s proposed annexation of West Bank territory would “bring about the loss of any remaining hope for the success of the peace process.”

In each letter they made clear they “unambiguously support the fundamental right of Israel’s citizens to live in peace and safety but these prospects can only be secured through negotiation rather than annexation.”

It is essential that both Israelis and Palestinians may live without violence or the threat of violence from each other or other armed groups, the Cardinal and Archbishop emphasised.

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The leaders warn that the move to annex West Bank land raises “serious and catastrophic questions about the feasibility of any peaceful agreement to end the decades’ long conflict”.

Bishop Declan Lang re-iterates the warning:

“As the local Church leaders have warned, annexation would destroy any hope of a peaceful two-state solution.

“The Catholic Church in England and Wales will continue to stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the Holy Land against any such move.”

Patriarchs’ and Leaders’ Letter

Statement: Israeli Unilateral Annexation Plans

7 May 2020

As a result of the stagnation of the Peace Process in the Middle East between the Israelis and Palestinians, an array of plans for Israel to unilaterally annex West Bank land, backed mainly by right-wing factions, raises serious and catastrophic questions about the feasibility of any peaceful agreement to end the decades’ long conflict, one that continues to cost many innocent lives as part of a vicious cycle of human tragedy and injustice.

The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of the Holy Land Churches views such unilateral annexation plans with the utmost concern and calls upon the State of Israel to refrain from such unilateral moves, which would bring about the loss of any remaining hope for the success of the peace process.

The Council also calls upon the United States of America, the Russian Federation, the European Union, and the United Nations to respond to these unilateral annexation plans with a time delimited and phased Peace Initiative in line with International Law and United Nations resolutions on the matter, in order to guarantee a comprehensive, just, and long-lasting peace in this part of the world that is considered Holy by the three Abrahamic Faiths.

We also call upon the Palestinian Liberation Organization, as the sole legitimate Representative of the Palestinian people, to resolve its internal disputes-as well as any conflicts with other factions that are not under its umbrella-in order to present a unified front dedicated to achieving peace and the building of a viable State that is founded upon pluralism and democratic values.

Patriarch Theophilos III
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate

Patriarch Nourhan Manougian
Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa
Apostolic Administrator, Latin Patriarchate

Fr Francesco Patton, OFM
Custos of the Holy Land

Archbishop Anba Antonious
Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, Jerusalem

Vicar General Father Gabriel Daho
Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate

Archbishop Aba Embakob
Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate

Archbishop Yaser Al-Ayash
Greek-Melkite-Catholic Patriarchate

Archbishop Mosa El-Hage
Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate

Archbishop Suheil Dawani
Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East

Bishop Ibrahim Sani Azar
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy land

Father Ephram Samaan
Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate

Rt Rev. Joseph Nerses Zabarian
Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate

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We are extremely concerned that the UK government has welcomed the proposal. The government should continue to insist upon meaningful dialogue, a viable two-state solution and the application of international law.

We echo the words of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land:

For decades the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict has been at the centre of many peace initiatives and proposals for a solution.

As has been said many times in the past, we think that no proposal and no serious perspective could be reached without the agreement of the two peoples, Israelis and Palestinians. These proposals have to be based on equal rights and dignity.

The plan “Peace-to-Prosperity” does not contain these conditions. It does not give dignity and rights to the Palestinians. It is to be considered a unilateral initiative, since it endorses almost all the demands of one side, the Israeli one, and its political agenda. On the other hand, this plan does not really take into consideration the just demands of the Palestinian people to their homeland, human rights and a dignified life.

This plan will bring no solution, but rather will create more tensions and probably more violence and bloodshed.

We expect that the previous agreements signed between the two parties be respected and improved based upon complete human equality among peoples.

We call on all churches to pray for the Holy Land, to work towards justice and peace and to be the voice of the voiceless.

The Rt Rev Declan Lang
Bishop of Clifton
Lead Bishop, International Affairs
Catholic Bishops’ Conference England and Wales

The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun
Lord Bishop of Southwark
Lead Bishop, International Affairs
Church of England

Link

whitehouse.gov/peacetoprosperity/
Read more and download the full plan using this link.

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As the local Catholic ordinaries explained in their recent statement, this law creates a constitutional and legal basis for discriminatory treatment of Israel’s citizens on both ethnic and religious grounds.

We have seen first-hand the daily struggles faced by Palestinian Christians living in the state of Israel and recognise that these will only be exacerbated by the Nation State Law.

The international community including our own government has a duty to stand against such divisive legislation, which will not only undermine the rights of already vulnerable communities but will also damage the democratic character of Israel itself.

We pray at this time for all peoples of the Holy Land.

Rt Rev Declan Lang
Bishop of Clifton (Chair of the Holy Land Coordination)

Rt Rev Christopher Chessun
Anglican Bishop of Southwark

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