Archbishop urges Christians to visit 'struggling' Bethlehem.The Archbishop of Canterbury The Archbishop of Canterbury is the main leader of the Church of England and by convention is also recognised as head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The current archbishop is Rowan Williams. , Rowan Williams  The current Anglicanism Collaboration of the Month isBook of Common Prayer The next collaboration will be selected on September 30, 2007. (Vote here) , has urged all Christians to try to visit Bethlehem as a place of pilgrimage pilgrimage Journey to a shrine or other sacred place undertaken to gain divine aid, as an act of thanksgiving or penance, or to demonstrate devotion. Medieval Christian pilgrims stayed at hospices set up specifically for pilgrims, and on their return trip they wore on their and to remember the "struggling" town in their prayers. In a letter last month to Victor Batarseh Victor Batarseh (b. 1935) is the mayor of Bethlehem in the West Bank in the Palestinian territories. He was elected in 2005. He is a retired physician, a Roman Catholic, and a former activist in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. , the mayor of Bethlehem, Archbishop Williams
"I am aware of the severe hardship which many are suffering; the decline of tourism, the difficulties of access and movement and the struggle to sustain the economic and social life of the city," wrote Archbishop Williams. "I am distressed to hear that the current situation has prompted so many families, especially Christians, to leave the city and seek security and stability elsewhere. I have raised these concerns directly with the Israeli authorities." Archbishop Williams said that Christians throughout the world could play their part: "I urge Christians worldwide to support your community, to visit you whenever possible and to pray for the people of Bethlehem that they may not be forgotten. We pray for the day when a just and lasting peace will be established in the region which will bring freedom, dignity and security to all the people of Bethlehem." The letter was presented by an Anglican delegation from the United Kingdom led by the Bishop of Tonbridge, Brian Castle. |
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