ASIA/AFRICA/HOLY LAND - Latin Bishops of Arab Regions and the Bishops of Northern Africa call Christians to take part in a Day of prayer and fasting to obtain the gift of peace in the Holy Land

Tuesday, 19 October 2004

Rome (Fides Service) - In a joint message issued at the end of respective assemblies held in Rome 11-16 October the Conference of Latin Bishops in Arab Regions CELRA and the Conference of Bishops of Northern Africa CERNA called all Christians all over the world to unite on December 22 for a Day of Prayer and Fasting to obtain the gift of peace for the Holy Land. “Together we have reflected on the problems of justice and peace in our regions. The situation of instability in the Middle East threatens peace in all our countries and the whole world. But some countries suffer more than others: Iraq, Somalia, Suda, and the Holy Land, Palestine and Israel. Although aware of situations of conflict in many parts of the world, we reflected in particular on the Holy Land”, the Bishops said.
“The conflict in the Holy Land concerns all Christians who must realise that their spiritual roots are in the land of Redemption” the Bishops said underlining the need to put an end to the war. “This situation has existed for years, it calls for immediate intervention to stop the suffering of Jews, Christians and Muslims unable to stop the conflict, prisoners of a cycle of cruel and irrational violence. Both peoples Palestinians and Israelis are about to perish, the strong and the weak, the violent and those waiting patiently for a peaceful solution” the Bishops said.
“We are grateful to the Holy Father for his words and his initiatives in favour of peace. We are grateful to all the Churches for the messages and acts of solidarity and their generosity” the Bishops said.
“The season of Advent is approaching. Soon Christians will celebrate Christmas the birth of the Saviour Messiah, the Prince of peace, while blood continues to flow in Bethlehem and throughout the Holy Land. We have decided to ask our communities to make Wednesday 22 December a day of prayer and fasting for this intention. We ask you to join us in this or other initiatives” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/10/2004 righe 36 parole 409)


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