Canterbury's Pilgrimage for Middle East Peace

The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams – spiritual leader to 70 million Anglicans worldwide, began his six-day pastoral visit to the Middle East to promote peace, Monday, Jan. 26.

Canterbury, who arrived in Amman, Jordan late Sunday night, urged the Episcopal/Anglican churches there to follow the example of Jesus Christ in “building bridges into the suffering of another" and in living at peace with themselves and others in their community.

"We are able at last to recognize that evil is not somewhere out there in the stranger, the enemy, but in our own hearts," he said at the Mass attended by royal family members and leaders of other Christian communities.

Following his visit to several churches and his meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Williams visited the biblical site on the Jordan River where it is believed that John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ.

On Tuesday, Canterbury left to the West Bank and Jerusalem upon the request of the Anglican bishop of Jerusalem. While holding talks with both Israeli and Palestinian politicians and religious leaders, the Archbishop called for a new vision of the future to take root.

"If two neighbour communities can begin to become truly civil societies in which law and human dignity are taken absolutely seriously, there is the chance of growth towards a human fellowship in which the presence of God can become visible,” said Canterbury.

"I deplore the loss of yet more lives from communities in which far too much blood has already been spilt. My visit has strengthened the belief that violence and terrorism lend nothing to the search for a better future for the peoples of this region-something for which we continue to work and pray."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.