The Christian community in the Holy Land represents a physical link between the modern world and the life and times of Christ - they are the "living stones" of our faith.
The term "living stones" refers to the communities from which Christ drew his disciples, and who remain a living community in the countries of the Holy Land. The "living stones" keep alive the language, customs, culture and a continuing tradition from Christ's time.
Today the Christian communities and local Church in the Holy Land are under intense pressures, and, on behalf of the Bishops of England and Wales, the Department of International Affairs works to support these "living stones" and keep them always in our prayers.
Since 1998 the Department of International Affairs has organised the annual meeting of the Co-ordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church of the Holy Land (Holy Land Co-ordination). Mandated by the Holy See, the Holy Land Co-ordination meets every January in the Holy Land with the aim of acting in solidarity with the Christian community there and sharing in the pastoral life of the local Church as it experiences intense political and social-economic pressure.
Go to the Department of International Affairs to find out about the bishops' work in the Holy Land and for the Holy Land Co-ordination.
23 Jan 08
Archbishop of Liverpool calls for an end to violence in Gaza
11 Jan 08
Holy Land Co-ordination
21 June 07
Archbishop of Liverpool sends a letter of prayerful support to the Christian community in Gaza
9 Feb 07
The Holy Land Coordination - Photo Gallery
9 Feb 07
Vatican Radio interview with Archbishop Kelly: Support for the Holy Land
9 Feb 07
Holy Land Co-ordination 12-18 January 2007
18 Jan 07
Breaking the hold of fear, anger and despair in the Holy Land
12 Jan 07
Bishops from across Europe and North America visit Holy Land