Friends of the Holy Land staff welcomed the opportunity to meet our new Patron, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

As part of her visit to the West Bank, Archbishop Sarah spent time with members of the Friends of the Holy Land team and heard first-hand about the realities facing Christians living in the region today.

Among those she met were FHL’s West Bank operations leader Nader Issa Ghneim, as well as Lulu Nasir and her daughter Layan. Layan's case prompted international prayer and advocacy efforts when she was imprisoned for 10 months. During the visit, Archbishop Sarah listened to Layan's story, prayed with the family and assured them of the prayers of Christians around the world.

Archbishop Sarah spoke movingly about the challenges facing Christian families in the West Bank. Reflecting on what she had seen and heard, "I recognise the costliness of life for you and your families, and the costliness of following Jesus here in this land, which was our Saviour's home and is your home."

She also pledged that she would not forget the stories shared with her, saying: "I will carry these encounters with me as I return home."

Archbishop Sarah's pilgrimage has focused on prayer, listening and solidarity with Christian communities across the Holy Land.

Friends of the Holy Land CEO Brendan Metcalfe said “We are grateful for Archbishop Sarah's support and for her commitment to amplifying the voices of Christians in the Holy Land. As Patron of Friends of the Holy Land, the visit was a powerful way to focus on the families and communities we help, whose faith remains steadfast despite immense challenges.”

Archbishop Sarah with  members of the Holy Land team: Nader Ghneim, Fr Fadi Diab, Lulu Nasir 

 

Friends of the Holy Land

Friends of the Holy Land, exists to care for Christians living with extreme suffering and injustice in Palestine Jordan and Israel.  Providing immediate relief and long-term practical support, so that they can remain in the land of their birthright and have hope to survive and thrive.

We are guided by Christian virtues of love and justice, we do this through practical means, by raising awareness and through prayer, as Christ taught.

FHL provides practical assistance with everyday living costs. We help people access healthcare and education; and to start and grow businesses. Currently, we are also providing humanitarian aid. 

We are on the ground and deeply connected to these communities. Our local network, rooted in this ancient Christian community, really understand the existing needs.

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