Violence in Israel – Bishops’ statement

We view with immense alarm and sorrow the escalation of violence and the deployment of lethal force in Israel and Palestine. We deplore how inter-community tension has been fuelled by the rise of extremist ideologies on both sides; and we recognise that events in this most sensitive and sacred part of the world are exacerbated by expressions of prejudice and extreme nationalism elsewhere.

Like the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Abraham Initiatives, we are grateful that there are efforts to mediate and broker a ceasefire, which may today be bearing fruit. We call on all those in public life in Israel and Palestine to turn away from violence and re-commit themselves to peaceful dialogue. We pray for all those who have suffered under the attacks in recent days; and in the words of Psalm 122 we especially ‘pray for the peace of Jerusalem … may there be peace within your walls.’

The Right Reverend Gregory Cameron, Bishop of St Asaph
The Right Reverend Andy John, Bishop of Bangor
The Right Reverend June Osborne, Bishop of Llandaff
The Right Reverend Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth
The Right Reverend Joanna Penberthy, Bishop of St Davids