Diocese of Chichester

As debate rages around what shape our Christmas celebrations might take in the UK this year, the situation in the place where the Nativity story began is clear cut and desperate, an aid charity has warned.

Ecumenical charity Friends of the Holy Land which supports Christian families in need around the Holy Land, says that far from there being no room at the inn, coronavirus has devastated livelihoods as bustling pilgrim hotspots are abandoned.

At a time of year when Bethlehem would be looking forward to welcoming over a million tourists and pilgrims to the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square, the streets are silent in what Friends of the Holy Land CEO Brendan Metcalfe has described as a ‘disaster’ for the people of the region.

Brendan said: “People have flocked to Bethlehem for centuries, especially at Christmas. It seemed like a stable source of income. Nobody could have predicted the 2020 pandemic, or that this total collapse of tourism would last so long. The whole of the Holy Land is now suffering from a lack of visitors that is set to continue deep into 2021.”

The Rt Revd Dr Michael Langrish, former Bishop of Exeter, is one of the charity’s patrons. He himself usually visits to the Holy Land every year and is acutely aware of the effect of pilgrims being kept away in 2020. Adding his endorsement to the appeal, he reflects: “Within a few years of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, his followers in Jerusalem were suffering from the devastating effects of famine. St Paul responded by urging Christians elsewhere to remember their debt of gratitude and to support their brothers and sisters in their time of need. We find ourselves in a similar situation right now.”

Fr Andrew Birks, Diocesan Coordinator for Friends of the Holy Land has asked us to pray for all those in the Holy Land, especially at this time of year “The work of FHL in the Holy Land has always played a significant part in improving the lives of those Christians, living and surviving in the very setting of the Nativity.We pray for them and for all who go to their aid.Throughout Advent, let us remember the work of FHL in their prayer”:

Almighty and ever loving Father,

we pray for the Christians living in the Holy Land.

Lord, may the light of your love shine down on our Christian brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.

In your mercy grant them peace in their land, peace in their homes and peace in their hearts.

We pray for the work of Friends of the Holy Land, that it will bring healing and relief to those most in need.

We ask you to guide Friends of the Holy Land and all who support its work by prayer, action and fund-raising.

Help pilgrims to the Holy Land to see the plight of their Christian brothers and sisters, and touch their hearts with compassion and love.

Lord, remember our fellow Christians in their greatest need, and help us not to forget them. Amen."

Find out more about the charity at friendsoftheholyland.org.uk

Fr Andy Birks is the local contact for FOTHL and can be contacted here