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Twelve bishops, including two bishops from England and Wales – Bishop Nicholas Hudson and Bishop James Curry – will travel to the Holy Land later this month for the annual "Holy Land Coordination" meeting (18-23 January) organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW).

Following the tragedy of the attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023, and the subsequent humanitarian disaster in Gaza that has led to death, suffering and displacement on an immense scale, the Holy Land Coordination could not take place last January. The bishops of the Holy Land Coordination now feel all the more urgently the need to stand in solidarity with Christians of the Holy Land, and all who have suffered since the escalation of violence.

Speaking in advance of the visit, Bishop Nicholas, Chair of CBCEW's Department for International Affairs, and Moderator of the Holy Land Coordination, said:

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“The devastation of war and suffering in the Holy Land is heart-breaking. The trauma felt in the region, especially that of children, is beyond measure; and the need for prayer, support, and to find ways to end the violence has never been more urgent... In times of war hatred can often block out empathy and any understanding of the pain of the other. As Christians, we are called to be in solidarity with those who suffer and to say, ‘We are with you. You are not forgotten’."

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The bishops intend to pray with the Christians who remain in the Holy Land; to encourage pilgrimage; and to advocate on their behalf at home.

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You can find out more on the CBCEW website.‍