Archbishop Sarah visits Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity and Tent of Nations during Holy Land pilgrimage. (Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories)

Archbishop Sarah of Canterbury began her fourth day of pilgrimage in the Holy Land by visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. There, she prayed in the Grotto of the Nativity, the site traditionally believed to be where Jesus was born. The Archbishop was welcomed by Greek Orthodox Archbishop His Eminence Metropolitan Benedictos of Diocesarea. She expressed gratitude for his hospitality and shared reflections on the significance of the location as a place where God entered human history.

The Archbishop emphasized the importance of remembering that God is always with His people, especially in times of struggle. She noted the challenges faced by the local church and community in Bethlehem, where fewer pilgrims have visited in recent years due to ongoing conflicts. She called on Christians worldwide to offer prayerful solidarity with those in the region, particularly the Christian community in Bethlehem and the broader Holy Land.

Following her visit to the Church of the Nativity, Archbishop Sarah traveled to the Tent of Nations, an educational and ecological farm owned by Palestinian Christian farmer Daoud Nasser and his family. The site, located just outside Bethlehem, has become increasingly difficult to access due to restrictions and checkpoints. The Nasser family has been engaged in a long-standing legal battle since 1991, when Israeli authorities declared their land state property.

Despite these challenges, the Nasser family continues to live by the principle: “We Refuse to Be Enemies.” Archbishop Sarah spent time with the family, listening to their story and learning about their efforts to protect their land and promote peace. During the visit, she planted an olive tree on the farm as a symbol of hope for justice and peace in the region.

Reflecting on her time at the Tent of Nations, the Archbishop highlighted the family’s example of creative and hopeful resistance to injustice. She called for global Christian support for Palestinian Christians, recognizing their resilience and commitment to peacemaking. Her visit underscored the importance of solidarity and prayer in the face of ongoing challenges in the Holy Land.

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