The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, has spoken of the urgent need for a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. In a pastoral letter to Christians in the Holy Land issued today, Dr Carey contrasts the message of Christmas with the current situation in Bethlehem. The full text of the letter follows:
Dear Bishop Riah and brothers and sisters in Christ
In this season of Christmas when we remember with joy the gift of Christ to our world I send you greetings on behalf of all the members of our Anglican family, many of whom have expressed their deep concern for your life, ministry and witness at this time.
Bethlehem is so dear to our faith as the place where our Saviour was born. However, the familiar carol: 'O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie' seems ironic in the light of present tensions and violence. We pray for you daily and grieve at the sufferings that so many people in that beloved land endure. My visit to the diocese at the end of July made me more profoundly aware of the tragedy of the Holy Land.
As I said repeatedly on that visit, I recognise the right of the Israeli people to live in peace and security. All people of goodwill are appalled by the action of suicide bombers who kill so indiscriminately and cruelly. No nation can be expected to tolerate such attacks, which only deepen the mistrust between two peoples already locked into bitter conflict.
Yet, the Palestinian people themselves, both Christians and Muslims, carry a great burden of pain and suffering, from which there seems too little prospect of relief. One small instance comes to mind. I was with you, Bishop, when a Palestinian stopped our car begging for a few shekels to buy some bread for his family. He had tried and failed to find casual work in East Jerusalem. He was exhausted, humiliated and close to tears having walked several hours to the city. When we came across him, he was on his way home, tired out and at the end of his tether. I saw in that single encounter what daily life must be for so many Palestinian families.
That there is urgency about assuaging the suffering and resuming peace talks, no one can doubt. And if Christian leadership can facilitate this in any way, we must provide it. So, please be assured that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. May God, whose Son was born of Mary, keep you in his love and give you the spirit never to give up hoping and believing that out of the ashes of despair, new things will arise.