Press Releases
Four Church Leaders visit to the Holy Land
Keeping Watch: a service of hope for peace held at the Shepherd’s Field, outside Bethlehem, was one of the highlights of the recent visit by the leaders of the four main Churches in Ireland, including the Most Revd Alan Harper, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.
This is the holy site where the Angel of the Lord visited the shepherds, told them not to be afraid, and informed them of Jesus' birth. Here, alongside many local Christians who packed the Ecumenical chapel, the Irish leaders offered hope to their Christian brothers and sisters and people of all faiths in today’s Holy Land which is so embroiled by conflict. The service included prayers of thanks for all that has been achieved the Irish peace process and the new understandings that are now emerging in Ireland; it acknowledged the positive Irish links that have existed in the region, most especially through the relief work of aid agencies Trócaire and Christian Aid, and offered hope to those who are suffering so much, that a treaty of peace might come to “bring to an end to the occupation imposed by one people on another, granting freedom to Palestinians, giving security to Israelis, and freeing all from fear”.
The service, which was broadcast on Irish radio, captures the essence of the Church leaders’ visit, and is available on the RTE website: http://www.rte.ie/radio1/religion/Bethlehem2008.html
On the Sunday 8th June 2008, the Churches in Israel and Palestine have invited Christians around the world to pray with them “the Jerusalem Prayer” for a just peace. At last week’s General Synod a special motion was unanimously passed urging every church to use the prayer as part of their liturgy and worship on that day.
It would be empowering to the 2% of Christians left in today’s Holy Land – the “living stones” who continue to live, worship and preserve the holiest places for Christians - to know that we would do as they have invited us to do, and pray with them on that date.
The prayer is available by clicking here.
Below are some images from the trip. To view a larger image, simply click on the image.
The four Church leaders at Al Feneiq Centre in the Dheisheh Refugee Camp, Bethlehem, with Naji Odeh, who founded the centre, and spoke positively about the role of education for building up the next generation.
The young people in Dheisheh Refugee Camp have their own message for the world.
The Archbishop presents a Celtic Cross of Journeys and Meetings to Naji at the entrance to the camp which is home to over 12,000 people, living on less than 1 sq. km of land, and with only two under-resourced schools and one part time doctor serving their collective needs.
Most Revd Alan Harper with Revd Fadi Diab, and young people from the Zebabdh Youth Connections for Peace group. Zebabdeh is the only Christian village in the northern West Bank. Revd Fadi will bring 15 of his group to Northern Ireland this summer.
The Church leaders enter Bethlehem through the checkpoint terminal.
The Archbishop and other leaders walk down the pedestrian corral into Bethlehem.
On the other side of the wall in Bethlehem.
On the other side of the wall in Bethlehem.
With an Ecumenical Accompaniment volunteer at Bethlehem. The presence of these international volunteers eases the treatment of ordinary Palestinians.
With the new born in Bethlehem Holy Family Hospital and Sr. Sophie, with other the staff of the hospital, led by Dr Robert Tabash who help to bring them into the world.
With students and staff at Bethlehem University.
Presenting the Celtic Cross of Commitment to the Rt Revd Suheil Dawani, Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem.
With victims and bereaved from the Parents’ and Family Circle - representing both sides of the political divide in Israel and Palestine, whose personal account of shared loss and hope for the future was a particularly moving encounter for all.
The entire delegation of Church leaders and accompanying persons, at home with Rabbi Levi Weiman-Kelman, family and friends.