Irish bishops sign international letter calling for peace in the Holy Land

Archbishop Martin addressing World Meeting of Families in Dublin, Aug 2018. Image: CCO archive

The Bishops of Ireland discussed the humanitarian crisis in the Holy Land during their Winter Meeting in Maynooth last week, and unanimously decided to become signatories to an Open Letter: Embracing our Faith: A Call to Speak out on the Holy Land.

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and President of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, said: "My signing of the letter is an expression of solidarity with those who suffer. As we enter that time of year when the Prince of Peace comes amongst us, I encourage everyone to support peace in the Holy Land through prayer, by supporting the work of Trócaire, and by advocating for peace to bring an end to the profound misery in Gaza. Since 7 October 2023 about 42,000 people have been killed. This war must end now."

Archbishop Martin concluded: "This appalling conflict has already had a devastating effect on human life, on the displacement of innocent people and it is a threat to global peace and stability. Humanity deserves a much more honest and determined effort on the part of the international community to address the causes of conflict and its impact on people, families and society."

The Open Letter is a joint initiative of Pax Christi International, CIDSE (an international family of Catholic social justice organisations, of which Trócaire is a member) and ACT Alliance Europe. The letter sets out the groundwork for meaningful advocacy, calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access, the release of hostages and the protection of civilians, efforts to address the root causes of violence and measures to respect the status quo on Jerusalem's Holy Sites. The letter also calls for dialogue to bring about a lasting solution and respect for the human rights of all.