Archbishop Sarah has begun a five-day visit to Palestine and Israel at the invitation of the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, the Most Revd Hosam Naoum.
The visit will be a joint pilgrimage of prayer and solidarity – meeting, praying and worshipping with Palestinian Christians in East Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Israel.
The pilgrimage will include visits to Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem and Birzeit, seeking to encourage those who live, work and worship in the Episcopal (Anglican) Diocese of Jerusalem. The Archbishops will also visit healthcare projects and a school run by the Diocese.
Travelling with Archbishop Hosam, Archbishop Sarah will meet with church leaders, lay people and congregations in churches across the region. She will pray at Christian holy sites in Nazareth, Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Archbishop Sarah will also meet with several Patriarchs and Heads of Churches, and hear about the challenges and opportunities currently facing them in their ministry.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Dame Sarah Mullally, said: “As we prepare to follow in the footsteps of our saviour Jesus Christ through the Holy Land, I am looking forward to being alongside Archbishop Hosam and our Palestinian Christian sisters and brothers. This visit is an opportunity to listen to both their hopes and fears, their joys and immense challenges, and to pray with them for justice and peace that will bring healing to their lives and to this land.
“I bring with me the prayers and solidarity of the Church of England and Anglican Communion – and the assurance that Christians in Palestine and Israel are not forgotten. I encourage people to journey with us in prayer over these coming days.
“Palestinian Christians share the love of Christ with those around them, working alongside ecumenical and interfaith partners to build bridges, foster dialogue and promote dignity, equality and respect for all people. During our pilgrimage, I look forward to learning more from these groups about how we can work together for a just and lasting peace that upholds the God-given human dignity of everyone.”
The Most Revd Dr Hosam Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and Primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East, said: “It is a profound joy and an honour to welcome Archbishop Sarah to the Holy Land for this historic pilgrimage. Her visit comes at a time when our communities deeply need the global Church’s prayerful presence and solidarity. As we travel together from Bethlehem to Jerusalem and throughout the Holy Land, following the path of our Lord’s earthly ministry, we are reminded of our shared calling to be instruments of his peace and reconciliation.
“The Christian presence here is a living bridge down through the centuries, and having Archbishop Sarah alongside us strengthens our spirits as we navigate our daily challenges. We look forward to introducing her to the vibrant local clergy and parishes, as well as to the tireless ecumenical and interfaith groups who labour every day toward a future of true justice, peace, and mutual respect for all people in this land as a major component of our witness in Christ.”