Embrace welcomes Archbishop of York’s address on Justice and Peace in Israel and Palestine

We at Embrace the Middle East commend the courageous address given by the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, on ‘Justice and Peace – Palestine and Israel’.

The language used reflects the reality of the lived experience of the Palestinians we partner with and echoes what we regularly see and hear from them.

We join and support his call to raise our voices in support of a just peace and to urge our government and the governments of the world to move beyond a ceasefire in Gaza and towards full and equal rights for all people in Palestine and Israel.

You can read the address in full here.

The Archbishop of York was speaking at an event at Lambeth Palace, where more than 60 church leaders gathered to hear first-hand testimony from him, following his visit to Israel and Palestine, and from the Archbishop of Jerusalem and the Revd Dr Munther Isaac. Embrace’s Dr Ruth Valerio gave an update on the work of our Christian partners on the ground as part of the day, and information about our new resource Gracious Dialogue was shared.

Embrace the Middle East is delighted to have played a role in bringing together this brave and timely gathering, helping to shape sessions on church engagement, theology and political action, and joining in the Eucharist in the palace chapel which offered a moving moment of ecumenical unity.

The voices in that room were clear and uncompromising. They named what they saw, heard and lived: the violence, dispossession and human suffering that lie at the heart of this conflict. They also spoke of hope, faith and the call for the Church to stand with the marginalised.

With some notable exceptions, the Church has too often remained silent in the face of these injustices. We pray is that this moment marks a turning-point, that it will be possible to move beyond fear, speak truth in love, and act for peace, justice and reconciliation.

We thank the many partners, leaders, and supporters who made this gathering possible. May what we began here bear fruit in greater solidarity, better listening and courageous action in the months ahead.

Most Revd Stephen Cottrell speaking at Lambeth Palace.

Embrace’s Dr Ruth Valerio speaking at Lambeth Palace.