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Archbishop’s Holy Land pilgrimage unites faith and call for justice

Walking where Jesus Christ once trod, the Archbishop listened to the struggles of the ‘living stones’—local Christians holding fast to hope. A pilgrimage of prayer and purpose.

In this image people are praying in a hall, in the bottom left there is some text.
In this image people are praying in a hall, in the bottom left there is some text.

Archbishop’s Holy Land pilgrimage unites faith and call for justice

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell undertook a pilgrimage of prayer and solidarity in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory from November 8-11, 2022. The visit aimed to be a sign of shared faith and longing for God's reconciling love, while also expressing the Church of England's commitment to supporting justice, peace-building, and reconciliation in the region.

Cottrell's pilgrimage took him to various holy sites and Christian communities across the region. He visited Jerusalem, Bethlehem, South Hebron Hills, Ramallah, and Nazareth, walking in the footsteps of Jesus and meeting with local Palestinian Christian communities, often referred to as the 'living stones' of the church. Throughout his visit, Cottrell prayed with and listened to these communities, fostering a spirit of solidarity with Archbishop Hosam Naoum of Jerusalem.

Cottrell's itinerary included meetings with local church leaders, congregations, and community organizations. He engaged in meaningful dialogue, seeking to understand the challenges and aspirations of these communities firsthand.

Archbishop Stephen Cottrell's pilgrimage was more than just a journey through historic sites; it was a testament to the Church of England's dedication to supporting the Christian communities in the Holy Land. His visit served as a symbol of unity in faith and a commitment to promoting justice and peace in the region.

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