In February 2025 representatives from a number of church organisations shared in an ecumenical visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

Participants included

Jude Levermore - Methodist church in Great Britain, Rebecca McGonigle from the Church of Scotland, Reynaldo Ferreira Leão Neto, President of the World Methodist Council, Kevin Snyman of the United Reformed Church, and Jin Yang Kim from the United Methodist Church in the US.

We were joined by local workers and activists including Dave, Jane, and Samar from the Methodist Liaison Office, and Muriel Pearson (CoS) based in Tiberias.

We stayed at the St George's College, East Jerusalem, hosted by Richard and JulieAnn Sewell.

What we witnessed was deeply distressing. Both Israelis and Palestinians are desperate and fearful. The current Israeli government is determined to annex the Palestinian territory not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank using ‘security’ as its raison d’être. The government funds the building and populating of illegal settlements backed by occupational military forces to expunge Palestinians slowly, but relentlessly, from the land.

Many of the Israelis and the Palestinians we met look to the UK as a vital ally in solving this ongoing catastrophe, not least because of our history during, since, and before the Balfour Declaration.

Yet, despite the deeply ingrained problems, the group has returned filled with hope. There will be justice in Palestine. There will be peace in Israel. There will be equity and prosperity for all who call that precious land home.

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An excellent video showing the range of activities hosted in the Hollinshead Centre, part of Chorley URC, offering something for everyone. Watch to see the positive impact of its work on those using the centre.

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Members of the new URC Nominations Committee introduce themselves and how the drive to safer recruitment is having a positive impact on the committees and volunteers that help the church in its life and mission.

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