From the Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge

“I am extremely distressed about the ongoing appalling violence in Gaza. I call for an immediate ceasefire in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution followed by the implementation of the International Roadmap in order to ensure a just and lasting peace for Palestinians and Jews.

“Prayers for peace in the Holy Land are said daily in the Cathedral and through its Christmas collections the Cathedral gave material aid to a major provider of care in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.

“The people of the Holy Land, where Jesus was born and lived, are continually in my prayers.”

ENDS.

The Diocese of Worcester is one of 44 dioceses in the Church of England. It covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south east Wolverhampton and Sandwell.