UK’S TOP RELIGIOUS LEADERS UNITE FOR PRE-CHRISTMAS PILGRIMAGE TO BETHLEHEM
by Gretta Curtis

Christian Today, UK
Dec 6 2006

Ahead of Christmas, a coalition of religious leaders are set to
embark on a pilgrimage to Bethlehem, spearheaded by the Archbishop
of Canterbury, Rev Dr Rowan Williams.

Archbishop Williams and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor say the
trip is in solidarity with Christians because of Israeli security
measures there.

The town is "blocked in" by the Israeli security wall and checkpoints,
according to Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor.

Dr Williams has also warned of an exodus of Christians from
Bethlehem. Both have urged other Christians to visit Bethlehem.

The two archbishops will travel to Bethlehem with Bishop Nathan
Hovhannisian, of the Armenian Church of Great Britain, and Rev David
Coffey, of the Free Churches.

The group will arrive in the Holy Land and travel to Jerusalem on 20
December, returning to the UK on 23 December.