Source: Jo Siedlecka, ICN
Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine, gave a moving account on the situation of Christians in the Holy Land at Bloomsbury Baptist Church in London on Monday. The ecumenical event was attended by representatives from many denominations, including Bishop Jim Curry from RC Diocese of Westminster and Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together.
Bishop Shomali began with a summary of the history of the Holy Land, which he said has been suffering from a “devastating conflict for the past hundred years.” While the Jewish people, based on their interpretation of the Bible claim the land is theirs given to Abraham and his descendants by God, the Palestinians assert that their roots date back to the Canaanites who lived there 3000 years BC. Thus he said: “There are two narratives, two claims and two perspectives on the history and geography of the land.”
“My intention is not to advocate for one side against the other or to discuss the injustices and crimes committed in this land called Holy” Bishop Shomali said. “Instead I aim to present the situation from a humanitarian perspective and delve into the condition of the Christian community which has lived there for 2000 years without interruption…”
Fr Dominic Robinson SJ (Chair) and Colette Joyce (Co-ordinator) also attended the event on behalf of Westminster Justice and Peace.
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Westminster Holy Land Roundtable
The Westminster Holy Land Roundtable is an open discussion forum where anyone with a connection to the Diocese can come and share news, events and ideas to help formulate a common response to the war in Gaza. The next meeting takes place Saturday 5 April 2025, 4-6pm, at Farm Street Arrupe Hall. Bishop Jim Curry will be speaking about his recent visit to the Holy Land. New participants welcome
Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission 