Catholic bishops call for just peace in Holy Land
An international delegation of Catholic bishops has raised concern over continued unrest in the Holy Land and other parts of the Middle East.
In a communiqué marking the end of a five-day pastoral visit to the region, the bishops spoke of the "profound anxiety" being experienced by people in Israel and Palestine, as well as Syria.
They said that recent fighting had led to "increasing polarisation" within Israel and Palestine, while the conflict in Syria has caused huge numbers of refugees to pour into neighbouring countries, putting "enormous strain" on their resources.
The delegation included Bishop Declan Lang and Bishop William Kenney from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
They were updated on the current situation in the Holy Land by Patriarch Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and from the Apostolic Nuncio, Mgr Giuseppe Lazzarotto.
The delegation also met Christian communities in Gaza, Bethlehem and Beit Jala.
Christians in the Cremison Valley told of the legal struggles to protect local people's lands and religious institutions from the encroachment of the security barrier.
"We promise to continue urging our respective governments to act to prevent this injustice," the bishops said.
They also raised concern about the plight of refugees who continue to flee from terror and violence in Iraq.
"We are inspired to promote a just peace and call upon Christian communities in our home countries and people of goodwill everywhere to support the work undertaken in this region to build a better future," the bishops said.
"We are also called to recognise and tell others how faith in God brings light into the lives of people in the Holy Land."
The communiqué encourages Christians to come on pilgrimage to the Holy Land and support efforts to promote peace.
"We shall work hard to persuade our respective governments to recognise the root causes of suffering in this land and to step up their efforts for a just peace," the bishops conclude.
Hot Trends
-
Jerry Savelle, Televangelist & Prosperity Gospel Preacher, Dies
-
Jasmine Brady To Release "Lover of My Soul" May 10
-
Did Noah’s Flood Really Happen? New Film, "The Ark and The Darkness," Presents Undeniable Proof
-
Former IHOPKC Worship Leader Misty Edwards Accused of Affair with Kevin Prosch
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Armond Morales, Member of The Imperials, Passes Away
-
Home Going Services Announced for Grammy Winner Sandra Crouch
-
Phil Wickham Celebrates His 15th Wedding Anniversary with "Just Too Good"
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Carlos Santana Talks about How Christian Faith Saved Him After Seven Suicide Attempts
-
Breaking News: Sandi Patty Reveals Details to Her New Album!
-
Samuel Suh Opens Up About His Journey from a Secular to a Christian Artist
-
Citizen Way Returns with the Celebratory "That Thank You Song!"
-
Joseph Habedank to Release "Autobiography" April 19
-
Marilyn Baker Celebrates 40 Years of Music Ministry with New Album
Most Popular
-
Jerry Savelle, Televangelist & Prosperity Gospel Preacher, Dies
-
Jasmine Brady To Release "Lover of My Soul" May 10
-
Did Noah’s Flood Really Happen? New Film, "The Ark and The Darkness," Presents Undeniable Proof
-
Former IHOPKC Worship Leader Misty Edwards Accused of Affair with Kevin Prosch
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Armond Morales, Member of The Imperials, Passes Away
-
Home Going Services Announced for Grammy Winner Sandra Crouch
-
Phil Wickham Celebrates His 15th Wedding Anniversary with "Just Too Good"
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Carlos Santana Talks about How Christian Faith Saved Him After Seven Suicide Attempts
-
Breaking News: Sandi Patty Reveals Details to Her New Album!
-
Samuel Suh Opens Up About His Journey from a Secular to a Christian Artist
-
Citizen Way Returns with the Celebratory "That Thank You Song!"
-
Joseph Habedank to Release "Autobiography" April 19
-
Marilyn Baker Celebrates 40 Years of Music Ministry with New Album