The Swiss bishops have made an “emotional appeal” to the Catholics of Switzerland to give “a generous sign of solidarity to the Christians of the Arab world, and a sign of encouragement to the Church of the Arabs” during Holy Week. The bishops made their appeal in a message in support of the “Collection of Holy Week 2006 in favour of the Christians of the Holy Land”, an annual event promoted by the Swiss Association of the Holy Land. “The inhabitants of the countries of the Bible write the bishops have a deep faith”, on which they base “their courage”. Unfortunately, “the economic and social reality is now forcing many of them to leave the country”. There is therefore a moral obligation on European countries to “concretely help” the population, also by participating in pilgrimages to the holy places of Christianity. “We need write the bishops to make a vital contribution to the inhabitants of the Holy Land”.
