Following a week-long vigil for peace, the Archbishop of York has claimed that the Middle East conflict is now the greatest recruiting tool for Muslim extremists.
The violence in the region could continue for years, Dr John Sentamu warned. He issued the prediction as he ended his seven-day fast and vigil in a tent for peace in York Minster. As he did, he immediately called for international efforts to be intensified to end the troubles.
“The events of the past weeks, in the Lebanon, Israel, the United States and Britain, have demonstrated that we cannot afford any longer to leave the issues of the Middle East in the pending tray of unresolved business,” the primate said.
He went on: “There is no greater recruiting sergeant for would-be Jihadists than the conflict in the Middle East. Without urgent action on our part, for their sakes and our own, the spiral of violence that has lasted longer than the whole of my life-time — and I am 57 — will continue unabated, as new generations become mired in the enmity of their forefathers.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
The mystery of the Wise Men
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
-
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Most Popular
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.