Very pleased to say training is on target for London Edinburgh London in August (londonedinburghlondon.com), hoping to raise funds to Save Al-Makhrour (www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-...).

Just completing a short visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank offering some support to Archbishop Hosam and the Palestinian Christian community, with the theme of land rights and ecology being the backdrop to various visits.

Friday including time with Rabbi Yonatan Neil, author of the Eco Bible commentary, visiting places in Jerusalem, the Yehuda market, his synagogue and home for Shabbat.

On Saturday time around Bethlehem seeing the settlement violations of international law, hearing of settler violence & intimidation of Palestinian farmers, & how they are preparing to build next to the Tent of Nations farm where we celebrated the Eucharist with the Nassar family in a cave chapel.

On to Bethlehem, Aida refugee camp, and supper with friends at the icon school, hearing the perspectives of young Palestinian Christians, some of whom see their future abroad in exile.

Sunday, a privilege to preside at the parish Eucharist at St Andrew’s Ramallah, share in a wonderful lunch with Fr Diab & Rana, then look at the pinch points around the city. 80 mins to get through the checkpoint to Jerusalem & being looked at through the sights of an assault rifle was no fun.

Today, a visit to the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens to hear about their work and cross-cultural collaboration. Loved seeing some rare plants of this land being propagated to try to save them as in the wild they are threatened by the impact of climate change.

A most moving conversation with an Israel peace activist who lost friends in the 7th October attack, listening to the pain and psychological impact of hostage still being in Gaza. Their images line the routes in and out at Ben Gurion airport, with personal messages from their families and friends.

And a few images from the West Bank and the beautiful Cremisan and Al Makhrur valleys, places of beauty, nature and solace for Palestinians - but under continued threat by settler activity and infrastructure.

My visit concluded with time at the Monastery of the Holy Cross where three staves given to Abraham by the angel visitors at Mamet were planted by his son Lot. They were watered with river Jordan water and grew into pine, cypress and cedar trees, becoming the wood of the Cross of Jesus.

@bishopnorwich.bsky.social just completed a solidarity visit with Palestinian Christians. A highlight was a communion service in a cave at the Tent of Nations, nr Bethlehem. Many of the Nassar family whose farm is under threat from settlers were present. It was a moment of deep encouragement.

I totally condemn the Israeli missile attack on the Anglican run Al Ahli hospital in Gaza in the early hours of this morning. The last functioning hospital in Gaza City, this was a place of healing and sanctuary. My Palm Sunday ‘hosanna’ is now a desperately sad and muted one. Lord, have mercy.

I am new to bsky, lurking to see what it's like. Hazard a guess what I find will kind of reflect the nature of the God we believe in.