A free event at which Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine, will speak about how war and conflict impacts on the daily lives of Christians in the Holy Land.
When: Monday, 31 March – 12pm (midday)
Where: Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8EP
Cost: Free – register here
Friends of the Holy Land, the ecumenical charity that raises awareness and funding to help the region’s Christians, is organising an event in central London that will see Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine, speaking on how war and conflict impacts on the daily lives of Christians in the Holy Land, particularly in his pastoral area, Jerusalem and Palestine. The free talk takes place on Monday, 31 March from 12pm (midday) at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8EP.
Bishop Shomali has said, “The Holy Land, without Christians, is poor. Our presence is in a moderating role, as also recognised by Jews and Muslims. But our devotees must rediscover that being Christians in the Holy Land is a call. So, we must not fall into the temptation, induced by our being few, to live segregated into a religious and cultural ghetto. Let’s get out of the ghetto.”
Bishop Shomali will draw on his experience with local Christian Related Organisations (CROs) such the Latin Patriarchate and Friends of the Holy Land, as well as his Palestinian heritage, to share his thoughts on a variety of issues including where he believes there is hope for peace and economic recovery through the actions of this Christian community. He will also answer questions.
The Christian Related Organisations operate, among other projects, 93 schools, universities, and vocational centres, 19 healthcare facilities, 47 social protection institutions, 77 cultural and tourism centres, 38 youth and 21 local and international development agencies delivering a variety of services to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians as part of their Christian identity, witness and culture.
They have a track record of societal support developed over decades which has been scaled up to respond to the needs of the whole community during these times of war and conflict. It is estimated that they have reached almost 50% of West Bank residents with their support since October 2023.
Attendance is free of charge, however as light refreshments will be provided, please register at friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/bloomsbury so they can plan for numbers.
Friends of the Holy Land, FHL, is an ecumenical Christian Charity (registered charity in England and Wales 1202568) working from an office in Kenilworth, but with groups and supporters across England and Scotland. Founded in 2009, FHL has been operating for over ten years. Having been inspired by a pilgrimage experience in 2007, a number of returning pilgrims felt called to do something to improve the lives of Christians living in the land that is at the root of their faith.
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