Bishops tell Middle East Christians ‘you are not forgotten’

16th January 2016

A delegation of bishops visiting the Middle East has told persecuted Christians “you are not forgotten”.

In a statement following the visit by the Bishops of the Holy Land Coordination, which included Ireland’s Bishop John McAreavey, the group addressed various communities across the region, stressing that “ongoing violence makes it all the more urgent that we remember and assist all, especially those on the margins, who seek to live in justice and peace”.

Having met Christian refugees in Jordan, the Bishops said: “To the Christian refugees we met, you are not forgotten We heard about the trauma and difficulties in trying to rebuild their lives.  For most, returning home is no longer an option. Jordan is struggling to cope with almost a quarter of its population now made up of refugees.”

Commending the efforts of the local Church and NGOs – Christian and Muslim – the Bishops insisted that “the international community must do more to alleviate their plight and work for peace across the region”.

As well as offering a commitment to the Christian communities of Gaza and Beit Jala (neighbouring Bethlehem) to “raise your plight nationally and internationally”, the Bishops hail those “Israelis and Palestinians who seek peace”, adding: “Political leaders across the world must put greater energy into a diplomatic solution to end nearly fifty years of occupation and resolve the ongoing conflict so the two peoples and three faiths can live together in justice and peace.

“Here in this land holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims, we have been reminded during our visit of the Church’s enduring presence among the weak and vulnerable and those who are too often forgotten.  We take away our experiences and the stories that we have heard, and we are determined to give a voice to the voiceless.”
The Iona Institute
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