"As Christians, it is our calling and duty to give a voice to the voiceless, and to bear witness to their dignity, so that the world may know their suffering and be moved to advocate for justice and compassion."
Catholic Bishop's of England and Wales Holy Land Co-ordination 2026
We believe a thriving Christian community in the Holy Land benefits everyone who lives there and their continued presence is essential for any just and lasting peace. For two thousand years the Christians of the Holy Land have kept the flame of faith alive in the Land of the Resurrection.
Today their future is in jeopardy.
Since the first Pentecost and spread of the Gospel, pilgrims have been the lifeblood of these communities: economically, spiritually and politically. Their absence for the last two years has had a devastating effect. The future of the world’s oldest Christian community is in jeopardy and without them the future would be darker for all who live in the Land.
Small in number, the Christian population has a huge impact.
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They make up just 1.6% of the population of Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank combined (about 50k people).
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Yet Christian run organisations provide health care, education and employment for 37% of the population - nearly 2 million people.
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Historically, Christian pilgrimage has sustained tens of thousands of families from all religious backgrounds.
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Their presence and prosperity for the last 2000 years shows that religious co-existence is possible in the region.
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The continuous presence of Palestinian Christians counters the dangerous rhetoric that the conflict is between Islam and Western culture. It isn't.
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Without the Christian presence, the lives of everyone in the region would be poorer while justice and peace would be even more elusive.
Our Response
To connect people in the UK with communities in the Holy Land
in the following ways:
The communities of the Holy Land have asked for our prayers — explicitly and urgently. But they ask that we pray with informed awareness of the problems they face. That where possible - we pray with them. Speak to your church, parish, or community about twinning with a church in the Holy Land. Contact us here to find out more.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem — Cardinal Pizzaballa — has made a direct appeal in the words of Christ: “Come and see! Stay in a family’s guesthouse, shop at local businesses, sit with communities facing emigration. When you do this, you are saying what they need to hear: 'We see you. You are not alone. We have not forgotten.”
The latest FCDO Government advice is that travel to many West Bank Communities is safe and therefore covered by ordinary travel insurance. We now have a list of trusted contacts in these communities who can ensure your trip is safe, meaningful and affordable. Contact us here for more information.
We ask you to raise awareness about the problems these communities face. Ask your parish or Church community to join the Time To Act Campaign
Write to your MP and ask them to raise the issue in Parliament.
Subscribe for free to our podcast and YouTube channel where you can hear directly from Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza and share their story wherever you can. Provide economic support by buying produce, gifts and services here
Counter the false narrative wherever it is heard that Palestinian Christians are recent arrivals or somehow don’t belong in the land. They are both an ancient community and part of the living Church. They are a vital bridge between communities and a voice for reconciliation and peace.
Amplify their voice from whichever platform you can.
Pilgrimage in a time of conflict
In January 2025, just before the ceasefire, I went to see for myself.
I travelled alone and visited Jerusalem and Bethlehem. It was a deeply moving experience and I felt safe throughout, but there were times when it felt I was the only one there. The locals I met relished the opportunity to talk and it was fascinating to hear their different experiences. However, on one topic they were unanimous: without the return of pilgrims they would not survive. And to those who care about their future and about the future peace of the Holy Land, their message was clear -
"Come back!"
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Bethlehem