Pilgrimages, concrete solidarity with the Christians of the Holy Land

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – Pilgrimages to the Holy Land are the primary resource for the regions Christians, they also express a concrete sign of solidarity from their Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world. Bishops from Europe and North America, who make up the Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, yesterday launched a fresh appeal for people to return to the Holy land at the end of their pilgrimage which began on January 12th. In a declaration, the bishops also underline the “moderating influence” that the regions Christians have, which they add is “essential to achieving peace”.

 

On the question of the Israeli Palestinian conflict, the bishops ask “political leaders” to find a solution; they also underline the suffering of both peoples. “Bold gestures are needed – they point out - to break the cycle of Israeli fear and Palestinian anger that dominate the current situation”. “Confidence-building measures – they add- are essential to create trust between the conflicting parties”. To achieve this they ask for an end to the “humiliating treatment” of the Palestinian people by Israeli authorities. They also urge that unity among Palestinian leaders is necessary for them to negotiate a just peace and create a better future.

 

The “Coordination” group was formed in Jerusalem at the request of the Holy See in October 1998. During the 2006 visit, Bishop William Kenney suggested that the group concentrate its activities on three “P’s”: prayer, pilgrimage, pressure. All participants unite themselves in prayer with the local Christian community, almost all of them have become personally involved in local initiatives with the aim of offering concrete aid and they also strive to make the situation present to the political and diplomatic authorities.

 

Taking part in this years pilgrimage were bishops from Canada, England and Wales, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland and the United States, as well as the Council of the European Bishops Conferences (CCEE) and the Commission of the Bishops conferences of the European Community. Also taking part were representatives from Caritas Internationalis, Catholic Relief Services, Pax Christi International, the Knights of Saint Sepulchre, the Pontifical Missions Society Vatican Radio and the Christian Ecumenical Foundation for the Holy Land.