Archbishop Kelly expresses solidarity with Christians in Holy Land

Archbishop Patrick Kelly of Liverpool has expressed solidarity with the Christians in the Holy Land, following a visit there. He was part of a delegation of Catholic bishops from Europe and North America who visited Christian communities and Church leaders in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Galilee. As a result of the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land, the Christian population has shrunk dramatically during the last 35 years. Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah has warned that they face extinction if present emigration trends continue. The delegation of bishops, who visited parishes, schools, hospitals and Bethlehem University, pledged their support for the Christian community. They also praised those who work for peace, justice and security. "The experience of these days strengthened my conviction that is appropriate for the Bishops Conference of England and Wales to continue to be part of this annual gathering and its consequences," Archbishop Kelly said. Source: CCS