Visiting bishops report rising tensions in Holy Land
January 10, 2013
Following a visit to the Holy Land, a group of Catholic bishops from Europe and North America have issued a statement warning of “increasing polarization within Israel and Palestine.”
The seven bishops who participated in an annual solidarity pilgrimage said that the past year has been marked by “dark and dramatic events” in the region. They cited “conflict in Gaza and southern Israel; civil war in Syria, which has resulted in huge numbers of refugees pouring into other countries and putting an enormous strain on their resources.” These problems have increased the difficulties facing “the dwindling Christian population,” they said.
The bishops voiced their concern about the Israeli “security barrier” running through Palestinian territory, and promised to urge their own government leaders to “prevent this injustice.” They encouraged all Christians to consider making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
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