in brief" "
Representatives of the episcopates of England and Wales, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, the USA, the Council of the Episcopal Conferences of Europe (CCEE) and the Commission of the Episcopates of the European Community (Comece) met in Jerusalem with the patriarch of the Latins, Michel Sabbah, the apostolic Nuncio in Israel, Pietro Sambi, and the representatives of the Christian Churches in the Holy Land. The meeting, held from 14 to 16 January, was coordinated by the representatives of the Episcopal Conference of England and Wales, Archbishop Patrick Kelly of Liverpool, Father Frank Turner and David Ryall, and hosted by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The objective was to promote interventions of the Churches in support of the Christians who live in the Holy Land in ever more difficult conditions. The bishops and representatives of the Churches also had discussions with the various relief agencies present in the region, such as Caritas, the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Ecumenical Foundation for the Holy Land. Discussions also focused on the role of the international community in protection of the Holy Places, on the risks of a possible war with Iraq, of the construction of the wall of separation between Israel and the West Bank, and of the prospects of a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict. “These are sad and painful times for the whole population of the Holy Land declared Father Frank Turner, assistant of the general secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and the Christian community living here has a need for solidarity, prayers and the practical support of the Church throughout the world. This meeting was a sign of this solidarity. Representatives of various Episcopal Conferences may share with the local Church the mission of working for reconciliation and for a just peace”. A grave emergency pointed out the patriarch Michel Sabbah is represented “by the ever growing numbers of Christians who are abandoning the Holy Land to seek their fortunes elsewhere. That’s why we are asking for a support to the Churches to ensure the Christian survival in the Holy Land”.
