WCC holds 'digital' solidarity visit to Holy Land
The World Council of Churches (WCC) holds a digital and pastoral visit to the Holy Land (7-8 August). A visit that serves as an opportunity to support member churches and ecumenical partners, listen to their voices, amplify their calls, and remind the world of the need for peace in the region
The WCC leadership was scheduled to visit the Holy Land and Gaza in person on 5-9 August, together with two humanitarian organisations: ACT Alliance and Caritas Internationalis. The visit was postponed however, in view of the most recent developments in the area.
WCC moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Pillay, WCC central committee member Dr Audeh B. Quawas, Middle East Council of Churches general secretary Dr Michel Abs, Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, general secretary of the ACT Alliance, and Caritas Internationalis secretary general Alistair Dutton, will be part of the delegation during the pastoral solidarity visit.
Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm reflects: “Due to the escalation in the Middle East our visit to Jerusalem and the region had to be postponed. We are however eager to hear directly from those who have been immediately affected by the escalating violence. We need to listen to them, so the world sees their suffering. Therefore, we have decided to engage in dialogue with representatives of our member churches and other groups involved to hear how their situation is. The violence must stop. A just peace is the only way to make sure that both Palestinians and Israelis can live securely together in the region. Our digital visit will listen to people in the region and explore paths for peace.”
WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Pillay, who visited the Holy Land himself in person early this year, said given the circumstances he is pleased to be conducting a digital pastoral visit to Israel and Palestine as a continued journey of support and solidarity.
“Our hope is to amplify calls from the Holy Land to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at restoring peace and stability,” he said. “The Middle East region urgently needs peace.”
In the time span of 7-8 August, the WCC leadership will seek to hear the concerns of the Heads of Churches, meet with the Higher Presidential Committee of Churches in Palestine, meet with the parents of 23-year-old detained Palestinian student Layan Nassir, speak with medical doctors from Gaza, and a range of non-governmental organizations.
Pillay said the delegation will continue to press for an end to the war, seek just peace, and exercise pastoral and prophetic ministry. “We ask you to remember in your prayers the people and struggles in this context, pray for an immediate ceasefire and peace in the region, and pray for the solidarity visit online.”
Article by Dr Ian Watson, County Ecumenical Officer for Norfolk and Waveney, adapted from WCC News 6 August
Picture: courtesy of Albin Hillert/WCC showing a flock of birds flying over the Jerusalem old city and east Jerusalem.