JERUSALEM (CNS) Bishops from Europe and North America have urged leaders of the international community to help break the cycle of violence in the Holy Land. They asked the global community not only to resolve the current fighting and provide humanitarian assistance, but to work with Israelis and Palestinians to reach a viable solution to their continuing conflict.
The bishops spoke at a Jan. 15 press conference concluding the weeklong visit by members of the Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, which was established in 1998 at the request of the Vatican.
Their final statement urged the international community to unite to "press Israelis and Palestinians to build a just peace with security for Israel and a viable state for Palestinians."
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, told Catholic News Service it is important people understand the perceptions and reflections of both Palestinians and Israelis. He said one side cannot be seen as the one at fault and the other as the victim.
"Both Palestinians and Israelis have experienced hurt, violence, death of loved ones, have seen suffering of children and have a shared experience of pain," he said. "It is important the (bishops) understand the sources of that pain."
What is clear from the situation, Bishop Kicanas added, is that to continue to respond to violence with violence — whether by Hamas rockets or Israeli military actions — is only "furthering bitterness and desire for revenge in an endless spiral."
"Violence begets violence. You see it lived out here. Someone needs to break the cycle," he said. "What people are saying here is that on their own Israelis and Palestinians are unable to break that cycle. They need the assistance of the United States and other countries."
Since the Israeli offensive in Gaza began Dec. 27 to stop the Palestinian militant group Hamas from launching rockets, more than 1,000 Palestinians and 13 Israelis have died.
In response to a journalist’s question, Archbishop V. James Weisgerber of Winnipeg, Manitoba, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, noted that during the bishops’ visit last year Palestinians seemed more open to talking about a variety of issues, but this year the issue of the Gaza conflict dominated all conversations and meetings.
"Last year things were a bit more relaxed. People were talking about the future," he said. "This year the focus is on Gaza and the injustices done, so people are not able to get beyond that now."
Irish Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Field of Dublin said based on his experience in Ireland "conversation, patient listening and above all prayer" are needed to overcome the deep divisions between Israelis and Palestinians.
In their statement, the bishops said only people who believe in peace can bring about peace. Security and justice can come about only if there is security and justice for all involved, they said.
Faith is what gives them hope that justice, peace and forgiveness are possible, they added.
"We are pastors, not political leaders, but the religious voice is vital to the search for peace. The reality that every human person is created in the image of God demands dignity for all," they said.
Bishop Michel Dubost of Evry, France, noted that in their meetings with Catholics in Ramallah, West Bank, they saw toy guns and tanks placed in front of the Christmas creches, but they heard calls for peace, not revenge.
"This is what must continue, the cries for justice and peace, not revenge," he said.
The increase in attacks against Jewish and Israeli institutions abroad reflects the reality that the "peace and security of the world depend on peace and security in this little sliver of land," said English Archbishop Patrick Kelly of Liverpool, vice president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
He told CNS that in England, specifically, the combination of a high level of immigration, growing unemployment and the religious aspects of the Middle East conflict were a "very dangerous mix."
"There is no avoiding the problem. Justice has to be secured and we all need to be engaged in it," said Archbishop Kelly. "The images people are seeing give a picture with very strong force with desperate consequences. While we always condemn violence we are also saying that if you want peace, security and justice you must (seek those things) in a space which allows family and religious life to be expressed to the fullest. That is the challenge."
In their statement the bishops asked other religious leaders in Europe and North America to intensify their prayers for the "welfare of the mother church and the peace of Jerusalem."
Addressing one of the main objectives of the group — showing support for the Christian communities in the Holy Land — the bishops called for more pilgrimages to the Holy Land, telling the faithful not to be afraid and to support concrete projects and partnership with local Christian communities. They told the local Christian communities that they were not alone.
"We are one family. We hear your cries as you suffer alongside your brothers and sisters in the wider community. We assure you of our love, our prayer and our continued solidarity," they said.
Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem said the local Christian community was grateful for the bishops’ visit during a difficult time and for the bishops’ continuing support of the local Christian community.
"It means we are not forgotten. It means you are involved and feeling with us, and we are always linked together with our prayers and our friendship," he said.
Bishops Kicanas noted the "tremendous expectations" regarding U.S. President-elect Barack Obama. The president-elect has been named as perhaps the one person who has the stature to bring together the international community, he said.
"People have expressed a desire that he come, see, listen and learn and better understand the complexity of the situation in the Holy Land," said Bishop Kicanas. "We are awaiting his words and hope his efforts will engage the international community to work together with Israel and Palestine to bring about the resolution of violence and peace."
Scheduled meetings of members of the delegation with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas were canceled because of the situation in Gaza.
