Methodists Join Time to Act Liverpool Walk

Methodists responded to the call to take action for peace in the Middle East by attending the Just Peace Coalition's 'Time To Act' walk in Liverpool on Sunday 27 September, during the weekend of the Labour Party Conference, which was being held in the city.

The Just Peace Coalition aims to amplify the voice of Palestinian Christians in seeking together a just peace for all who call the Holy Land home, calling UK churches to come together to speak out and the UK Government to do more towards a just and lasting peace.

Following Choral Evening Prayer in the Roman Catholic Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, almost 200 people from churches and charities undertook a walk of witness along Hope Street to the Anglican Liverpool Cathedral, where presentations were made including Daoud Nassar from the Tent of Nations in the West Bank, the Revd Canon Dr Yazid Said, a Palestinian-born Israeli citizen and an Anglican priest, along with representatives of the Just Peace Coalition.

Among the Methodists attending were the President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Mark Slaney, and the Revd Caroline Ainger, Deputy Chair and North West England District and Mission Area Lead for Liverpool. Representatives from the charities Christian Aid, All We Can, Sabeel-Kairos, Embrace the Middle East, and CAFOD were present as were ecumenical colleagues including the interim Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, and the auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd Tom Neylon, as well as the two cathedral deans.

“We have been reminded of the precious gift of hope,” said the Interim Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd Ruth Worsley. “We especially pray for a renewal of hope for all those who call the Holy Land their home; we pray for peace and justice so that all who live there, of all faiths and none, might know they are safe, valued, and have a future.”

The walk demonstrated solidarity with Palestinians living under occupation and heard from people, like Daoud Nassar and the Revd Canon Yazid, who shared their experiences, perspectives and insights.

The President the Revd Mark commented, “This was a significant occasion as the first time that Just Peace Coalition gathered folk together to act in the public space. The events passed peacefully, prayerfully and in hopeful witness and solidarity. People asked why we were walking. We came together to listen to the voices of Palestinian Christians and to continue to try and ensure that those in positions of power and authority hear them too.”

The Revd Caroline Ainger commented, "The message throughout the day was one of prayerful hope, expressing solidarity with those who are suffering and supporting action for a just peace.”