Archbishop of York speaks about what he saw in Palestine
JVL Introduction
The Archbishop of York spent time in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and in this wide ranging speech he outlines some of what he witnessed and learned. He refers to many issues, including the murder of Awdah Hathaleen (pictured above). His concern is not only for Palestinian Christian communities but for Muslims and for Jews living in the region.
Inevitably, within hours came criticism of this measured and compassionate speech. Chief Rabbi Mirvis said: “The Archbishop of York has spoken of the need to be ‘painfully honest’ about the conflict in Israel and Gaza. But it is simply not possible to do that without faithfully seeking to understand more than one perspective.” Mirvis’ lack of self awareness is staggering, when has he ever sought to understand the Palestinian (or the antizionist) perspective.
The Archbishop is clear that “It’s not about Jewish people…it’s about the state’s actions.” Nonetheless Mirvis alleges the speech contains “incendiary and morally inverted accusation”.
Until his death, the last Pope spoke to the Catholic community in Gaza on every possible night after October 7th 2023. We need more religious – and political – leaders with this level of compassion and willingness to speak out about what has been witnessed.
LL
This article was originally published by Archbishop of York Office on Tue 18 Nov 2025. Read the original here.
Archbishop of York speech on justice and peace in Palestine and Israel
Reflecting on his recent visit to the region, the Archbishop of York delivered this speech to Lambeth Palace this morning (18th November – Ed.) at a gathering of ecumenical Church leaders and Christian agencies.
Loading article text…
The truth, powerfully crafted and expressed.
Thanks for publishing.
Hopefully it will be widely disseminated, and emulated, within the Anglican church by the new Archbishop elect, Sarah Mullally.
At last. It took him too long but this may help, and it’s a powerful piece of writing. But as he freely acknowledges, it is the words and actions of the Palestinians he encountered that blaze out from his account as a beacon call for justice justice . Tzedek tzedek tirdof. Deuteronomy 16:20. The core of our beliefs and actions ( as a Christian member of JVL )