CCCB Delegation to Visit Holy Land January 12-15

Thursday, January 08 2004

(CCCB-Ottawa) For the third consecutive year, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will be part of an international meeting in the Holy Land, January 12-15, to discuss the future of Christians living in that part of the world.

CCCB President Archbishop Brendan M. O’Brien and General Secretary Msgr. Peter Schonenbach, P.H., were invited by the Assembly of Catholic Bishops in the Holy Land along with representatives of episcopal conferences from the United States, Latin America and Europe to get first hand knowledge of the current situation as well as to express their solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Israel and Palestine. The visitors will discuss with local Church officials what steps are being taken in their home countries to help resolve the situation.

As occurred last year, some of the representatives will meet with the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mr. Yasser Arafat, and the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Moshe Katsav, on Wednesday, January 14.

This year the meeting will include discussions on the implementation of a pastoral plan for the Catholic Church in the Holy Land. Theologians from the three great faith groups, Judaism, Islam and Christianity, will also present their different theological views on a common approach to peace.

Related Links:

• Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
• Solidarity for the Church in the Holy Land
• CCCB President Participates in Meeting Called by Pope John Paul II on the Future of Christians in the Holy Land