Lead bishop for Holy Land welcomes recognition of Palestine

Bishop Jim Curry, lead bishop for the Holy Land for the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has welcomed UK government’s recognition of Palestine, describing it as as a ‘right and not a reward’.

Bishop Curry said the decision affirms that the right to self-determination is fundamental to human dignity.

“It is right that the government has acted on this matter as originally intended by the Balfour Declaration of 1917.”

During the visit of the Holy Land Coordination group earlier this year, he met with Palestinian Christian communities in the West Bank – in Bethlehem, Aboud and Taybeh – and listened to their stories about the realities on the ground and the hardships they facedaily.

“Their pain reinforced my conviction that the path to justice and peace can only be achieved when equal rights for all peoples – Jews, Christians and Muslims – are respected,” he said.

“I therefore echo the Holy See’s conviction that the two-state solution remains the only viable path for Israel and Palestine, grounded in internationally recognised borders.”

Bishop Curry added: “Recognition of a Palestinian state clearly does not bring an end to the suffering or loss. The war in Gaza continues unabated, a ceasefire is still urgently needed, the release of all hostages must be secured, and aid must reach the millions who require it.

“We pray that the international community continue to work unstintingly to bring the war and its suffering to an end.”

Earlier, Cafod was among the organisations to welcome the “long-overdue recognition of Palestine”, describing it as a statement that UK government believes the Palestinian people should have their own, independent viable state. 

“Concrete steps are now urgently needed, to work towards this goal as quickly as possible in support of a more peaceful and secure future for Palestinians and Israelis alike,” Cafod said. 

Elizabeth Funnell, Cafod’s Middle East country representative, said, “Amid the utter devastation and destruction we’re witnessing in Gaza, and the exponential increase in illegal settlements in the West Bank, the recognition of Palestine by the UK is an important act of solidarity in support of a political path to promoting rights, peace and security for all. The UK now must do all it can to ensure that a safe and viable Palestinian state becomes a reality.” 

A group of Church of England bishops with a close interest in the Holy Land also welcomed the announcement.

Bishop of Southwark Christopher Chessun, lead bishop for the Middle East, together with the Bishops of Chelmsford, Gloucester and Norwich, Guli Francis-Dehqani, Rachel Treweek and Graham Usher, said the decision could help undercut extremist narratives and strengthen moderates.

The announcement by prime minister, Keir Starmer, along with similar moves by the governments of France, Canada, Australia and Portugal, came as churches held a day of prayer for peace in the Middle East.

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