President of Bethlehem Bible College Meets Archbishop of Canterbury in Solidarity with Palestinian People

In a significant moment of solidarity, Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College, welcomed Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury to Bethlehem. The Archbishop visited on a mission of solidarity, expressing deep concern for the ongoing challenges faced by the Palestinian people. The meeting was hosted by Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, our academic dean and pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, and was attended by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Hosam Naoum, Archbishop of Jerusalem, clergy from the Anglican Church in Jerusalem, and other key church leaders from Bethlehem, including Rev. Jack Sara.

The discussions highlighted the grave situation facing Palestinians, particularly the Christian community. Rev. Dr. Sara brought attention to the growing threat of displacement due to the pressures of occupation, economic hardship, and political instability. He warned that these challenges are contributing to the gradual emptying of the land of its indigenous people, which poses a serious risk to the preservation of the Christian heritage in the Holy Land.

Archbishop Welby, deeply moved by the devastation he witnessed in Gaza and the West Bank, shared his grief over the immense suffering of Palestinians. He reaffirmed his commitment to advocate for justice and peace, stressing the Church’s moral obligation to speak out against such suffering. Archbishop Welby pledged to use every platform available to him to raise awareness and push for action in support of the Palestinian cause.

The meeting culminated in a collective prayer session, where those present prayed for peace, justice, and resilience for the Palestinian people, as well as for wisdom and boldness for those advocating for their rights on the global stage. This gathering was a powerful expression of unity and a significant step towards amplifying the voices of those seeking justice and hope in the Holy Land.