‘Support peace in the Holy Land’ – Archbishop Eamon Martin

13/12/2024, Author: Michael Kelly

Ireland’s Catholic Church leaders have urged parishioners to continue to speak out for an end to violence and for reconciliation in the Holy Land, as the Christmas season approaches.

The bishops discussed the humanitarian crisis in the Holy Land during their Winter Meeting in Maynooth last week and unanimously decided to become signatories to an Open Letter: Embracing our Faith: A Call to Speak out on the Holy Land.

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, president of the bishops’ conference, said that the signing of the letter “is an expression of solidarity with those who suffer.

“As we enter that time of year when the Prince of Peace comes amongst us, I encourage everyone to support peace in the Holy Land”.

Archbishop Martin insisted that “this appalling conflict has already had a devastating effect on human life, on the displacement of innocent people and it is a threat to global peace and stability.

“Humanity deserves a much more honest and determined effort on the part of the international community to address the causes of conflict and its impact on people, families and society,” the Primate of All-Ireland said.

Primate of All-Ireland and Successor to St Patrick, Archbishop Eamon Martin leading prayers for persecuted Christians on #RedWednesday, November 2024.

The open letter is a joint initiative of Pax Christi International, CIDSE (an international family of Catholic social justice organisations, of which Trócaire is a member) and ACT Alliance Europe. The letter sets out the groundwork for meaningful advocacy, calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access, the release of hostages and the protection of civilians, efforts to address the root causes of violence and measures to respect the status quo on Jerusalem’s Holy Sites.

The letter also calls for dialogue to bring about a lasting solution and respect for the human rights of all.

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