The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

"You are the salt of the earth": International Catholic Bishops Call for Justice and an End to Occupation in the Holy Land

Following a week-long pastoral visit to Israel and Palestine, the bishops of the Holy Land Coordination have released their final communiqué, calling for an immediate end to the Israeli military occupation of the West Bank and urging the international community to revive meaningful negotiations toward a two-state solution. The statement, titled “You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world,” highlights the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the "relentless" system of occupation in the West Bank that threatens the human dignity of all who live there.

The Holy Land Co-ordination is an annual pastoral and ecclesial meeting of bishops from Europe and North America, rooted in prayer, reflection, advocacy, and attentive listening to the Christian communities and peoples of the Holy Land.

The delegation, which included Most Rev. William Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland and Archbishop of Glasgow, spent five days "listening at the margins" through encounters with Bedouin communities, Christian villages under pressure, and Palestinian and Israeli peace activists. Their journey began with visits to Bedouin communities in the West Bank where they witnessed firsthand the intimidation and property destruction caused by extremist settler violence. The itinerary also included a visit to Taybeh, the only completely Christian town in Palestine, where residents described a campaign of land seizure, settlement expansion, and attacks on olive trees, a significant source of livelihood, which is driving mass emigration of residents.

Archbishop Nolan shared his reflections on the current situation there following these encounters and further meetings with figures such as Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and a video dialogue with Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza. He described a land scarred by conflict but held together by a fragile hope:

"We come to a country which is traumatised... All sides, whether it's the Israeli side or the Palestinian side, have been traumatised by years of conflict, and even more so by the atrocities of the 7th of October attacks and then by the Gaza war. It’s very difficult for people, when they’re suffering themselves, to see the pain of the other side.

“This land is for everyone who lives here, and that has to be accepted by all sides.

“[In the West Bank], we went to visit some Bedouins who are under great pressure... there are Israeli settlers who are causing so much harassment by their violent actions, destroying people's livelihoods. There's a campaign to try and disrupt the lives of

“Palestinians on their land, to encourage them to go away and to disappear. It seems to be left completely unhindered by the authorities.

“Life here will not improve until the occupation comes to an end. At the heart of the problem is this: the Palestinians live under a military occupation in the West Bank and in Gaza... we do need them to be given a state of their own.

“There are many impressive people here working for justice and peace, and they’re the people that give us hope. Everyone wants peace... if only everyone could realise that the only way to peace is through justice."

Central to the Bishops’ visit were dialogues with those working for reconciliation and human rights within Israeli and Palestinian society:

· The Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue: A Jerusalem-based interreligious organisation where the bishops discussed the promotion of interreligious and political dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The Center works toward fostering a sense of shared identity and mutual understanding, envisioning societies that embrace religious and national diversity as an asset rather than a threat.

· Rabbis for Human Rights: Representing the voice of Jewish tradition in the field of human rights, this non-partisan organization brings together over 170 rabbis and students from all denominations. They are uniquely activist, putting pressure on policymakers to safeguard human rights for all, including Palestinians in the territories, rooted in the conviction that every person is created in the image of God.

· The Parents Circle – Families Forum: The bishops met with this group of Israeli and Palestinian parents who have all lost children to the conflict yet find the strength to advocate together for reconciliation and justice for all peoples. Their inspirational witness offers a powerful reminder that dialogue and forgiveness remain possible even amid immense trauma and profound grief.

The Bishops use the statement to urge global governments to exert pressure on Israel to uphold the "rules-based international order" and to revive meaningful negotiations for a two-state solution. Echoing the call of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the delegation also invites the international community to return to the Holy Land on pilgrimage as a tangible sign of support and solidarity.

Today is the Memorial of St Agnes, a fourth-century martyr. To mark this, in the Urban VIII Chapel at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV was presented with two lambs on the Memorial of St Agnes of Rome.

In keeping with long-standing custom, the lambs were later blessed at the Basilica of St Agnes Outside the Walls, built over her tomb. The wool from these lambs will be used to make the pallia for newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishops.

The pallium is a liturgical sign of honour and pastoral responsibility worn by the Pope and Metropolitan Archbishops within their own dioceses and ecclesiastical provinces. Made from white wool and marked with six black silk crosses, it symbolises the shepherd’s care for the flock entrusted to him.

References to the blessing of lambs on the feast of St Agnes can be traced back to the sixth century. The practice is linked to an early tradition which recounts that St Agnes appeared to her parents after her martyrdom while they were praying at her tomb, holding a pure lamb as a sign of innocence and faithfulness.

Historically, the offering of lambs was also connected to the relationship between Roman basilicas, with lambs presented to the Pope for blessing. For centuries, the wool was then prepared by Benedictine nuns at the Basilica of St Cecilia in Trastevere, who would shear the lambs during Holy Week and weave the pallia.

While some practical details of the tradition have changed over time, its meaning remains unchanged. It continues to express the bond between the witness of St Agnes, the pastoral ministry of bishops, and the unity of the Church centred on Rome.

Very little is known with certainty about Saint Agnes, other than that she was martyred at a remarkably young age, likely around twelve or thirteen, during the persecutions of the late third century.

Early accounts tell of a young Christian girl who refused marriage because of her faith. According to tradition, her rejection of suitors led to her being reported to the authorities as a Christian. She was arrested and subjected to humiliation, yet remained steadfast in her trust in God. Stories surrounding her martyrdom speak of God’s protection and her courage in the face of suffering.

Saint Agnes was ultimately put to death and buried in a catacomb outside Rome, which later took her name. Her witness made such an impact that a basilica was later built in her honour during the time of Constantine.

Despite her youth, Saint Agnes remains one of the Church’s most powerful examples of faith, purity and courage under persecution.

Saint Agnes, pray for us.

Recent data shows that sales of the Bible have reached unprecedented levels in the United Kingdom, with numbers up significantly compared to recent years. What’s especially striking is the growing interest among younger generations, many of whom are seeking meaning, purpose, and spiritual grounding in a culture that often feels empty or directionless.

Amid a culture that often feels empty, today’s young people are seeking spiritual meaning and rediscovering the power of the Scriptures. This trend suggests a deep desire for connection and truth in a rapidly changing world.

Let’s pray for continued openness to faith and that this renewed interest leads to deeper encounters with Christ. 🙏


Religious education is not what it once was. Today’s youth are now having to seek out spiritual experiences

Gospel of the day (Mark 2:23-28)

One Sabbath the Lord was going through the cornfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck ears of corn. And the Pharisees were saying to him, ‘Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?’ And he said to them, ‘Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?’ And he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.’