Church leaders in Bethlehem drive
-13/12/05
As Christmas approaches Christian leaders a
Church leaders in Bethlehem drive
-13/12/05
As Christmas approaches Christian leaders are calling on Christians to visit Bethlehem, the place that the Gospels record was the place of Jesus’ birth.
Today, Bethlehem is encircled by towering walls and militarized fences, turning the 4,000 year old city into a virtual prison for its 160,000 citizens, say campaigners.
The town faces a state of emergency following the completion of an 8 metre high cement wall at the entrance to the city that separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem and other Palestinian towns.
Bethlehem will soon have only three gates to the outside world, all controlled by the Israeli army.
Last week the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mayor Batarseh, came to London and described Bethlehem as a city dying under economic, political and social oppression.
The presidents of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland are now encouraging Christians in Britain and Ireland to visit in solidarity with the dwindling Christian population.
In a statement released today the presidents of the ecumenical body which brings together Churches of across the spectrum of denominations including Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, Reformed and Pentecostal traditions, sent a message of solidarity to people of Bethlehem. In it they said they were praying for “a time not far off when the only true and just peace that comes from the breaking down of barriers and the opening of doors will be found between Israel and the Palestinians”.
Their call comes after the launch of the ‘Open Bethlehem’ project which aims to encourage trade partnerships, investment, tourism, events, and to attract creative opportunities to the city.
The core of its message is that Bethlehem is a city of openness and diversity, with a centuries old tradition of welcoming travellers, refugees and pilgrims from across the world.
Pope Benedict XVI recently became the first new citizen of Bethlehem after the town was declared an ‘open city’.
Church leaders in Bethlehem drive
-13/12/05
As Christmas approaches Christian leaders are calling on Christians to visit Bethlehem, the place that the Gospels record was the place of Jesus’ birth.
Today, Bethlehem is encircled by towering walls and militarized fences, turning the 4,000 year old city into a virtual prison for its 160,000 citizens, say campaigners.
The town faces a state of emergency following the completion of an 8 metre high cement wall at the entrance to the city that separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem and other Palestinian towns.
Bethlehem will soon have only three gates to the outside world, all controlled by the Israeli army.
Last week the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mayor Batarseh, came to London and described Bethlehem as a city dying under economic, political and social oppression.
The presidents of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland are now encouraging Christians in Britain and Ireland to visit in solidarity with the dwindling Christian population.
In a statement released today the presidents of the ecumenical body which brings together Churches of across the spectrum of denominations including Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, Reformed and Pentecostal traditions, sent a message of solidarity to people of Bethlehem. In it they said they were praying for “a time not far off when the only true and just peace that comes from the breaking down of barriers and the opening of doors will be found between Israel and the Palestinians”.
Their call comes after the launch of the ‘Open Bethlehem’ project which aims to encourage trade partnerships, investment, tourism, events, and to attract creative opportunities to the city.
The core of its message is that Bethlehem is a city of openness and diversity, with a centuries old tradition of welcoming travellers, refugees and pilgrims from across the world.
Pope Benedict XVI recently became the first new citizen of Bethlehem after the town was declared an ‘open city’.