Policy and Advocacy for Justice and Peace in the Levant

Jordan and Lebanon

Statement: Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah a Source of “Profound Hope” for Middle East
Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, November 27, 2024

Holy Land Coordination 2023 Communiqué: Communion with the Church in Jordan and the Wider Holy Land
January 20, 2023

Statement Expressing Solidarity with Maronite Church
Bishop David J. Malloy, August 12, 2022

American and European Bishops Unite in Support for the Church and People of Lebanon
March 1, 2022

Chairman Joins in Solidary with Pope Francis in Support of the Lebanese People
Bishop David J. Malloy, June 22, 2021

Letter to Secretary of State Blinken Regarding Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai's Appeal to Help Save Lebanon
Bishop David J. Malloy, February 19, 2021

U.S. Bishops’ President Joins in Solidarity with the Suffering of Lebanon After Explosion in the Port of Beirut
Archbishop José H. Gomez, August 6, 2020

USCCB and Knights of Columbus Letter of Solidarity to the Patriarchs in Iraq and Lebanon
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio and Mr. Carl A. Anderson, November 13, 2019

Communique: You Are Not Forgotten
Co-ordination of Bishops' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 14, 2016

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry Regarding the Pope's Meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan and the Situation in Syria
Bishop Richard E. Pates, August 29, 2013

Communique on Year's Events in the Region
Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 10, 2013

Statement: Interfaith Delegation of American Jewish, Christian and Muslim Religious Leaders Travel, Pray Together and Meet with Jordanians, Israelis and Palestinians; Delegation Asserts Urgency of U.S. Leadership in 2010 to Achieve Negotiated
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, December 30, 2009

Letter in Support of a Comprehensive Middle East Peace
Churches for Middle East Peace, September 22, 2009

Letter to President Obama on Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Syrian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, January 27, 2009

Letter to President Bush on Support for Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, January 30, 2008

Letter to Secretary of State Rice Regarding the Convening of a Conference for Peace in the Middle East
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, November 1, 2007

Statement on Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace: From Crisis to Hope
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, December 12, 2006

Letter to Secretary of State Rice on Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, December 12, 2006

Letter to Secretary Rice Regarding the Sovereignty and Stability of Lebanon
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, December 1, 2006

Letter to Congress on Cycle of Violence in the Middle East
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, July 20, 2006

Letter to All U.S. Bishops Declaring July 23 to be a Day of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East
Bishop William S. Skylstad, July 20, 2006

Break the Cycle of Violence in the Holy Land
Bishop Thomas Wenski, July 17, 2006

Statements of the Holy See and Churches in the Holy Land Calling for End to Violence
July 2006

Address by His Eminence Patriarch Cardinal Sfeir, Beirut, Lebanon Regarding Christians of the Middle East
His Eminence Patriarch Cardinal Sfeir, March 15, 2004

Letter of Solidarity to Cardinal Sfeir on Murder of Lebanon's Former Prime Minister
Bishop John H. Ricard, February 17, 2005

Letter to Secretary of State Albright Concerning Peace Process for Israelis and Palestinians and Efforts for the Withdrawal of Syrian Troops from Lebanon
Cardinal Bernard Law, November 22, 2000

Returning to the Path of Peace in the Middle East
United States Catholic Conference, November 15, 2000

Statement on Lebanon after the Israeli Withdrawal
Cardinal Bernard Law, June 21, 2000

Letter to President Clinton Concerning Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon and the Prospects of Peace for Syria, Israel and Palestinians
Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, March 24, 2000

Toward Peace in the Middle East: Perspectives, Principles, and Hopes
National Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 9, 1989

Iraq: 2010 to Present

U.S. Bishops’ President and International Justice and Peace Chairman Express Solidarity with Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to Iraq
Archbishop José H. Gomez and Bishop David J. Malloy, March 4, 2021

President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Chairman of Bishops’ International Justice and Peace Committee Urge All Parties to Embrace Peace
Archbishop José H. Gomez and Bishop David J. Malloy, January 9, 2020

USCCB and Knights of Columbus Letter of Solidarity to the Patriarchs in Iraq and Lebanon
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio and Mr. Carl A. Anderson, November 13, 2019

Letter to Secretary of State Pompeo on Escalating Tensions with Iran
(Referencing Conflict in Syria, Iraq and Yemen)
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, June 18, 2019


Christians in the Middle East

U.S. Bishops’ Chairman Applauds Enactment of Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act
December 11, 2018

Letter to Senators Corker and Cardin in Support of the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
Bishop Oscar Cantú, June 9, 2017

Letter to Representatives Smith and Eshoo Commending Them for Advancing the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
Bishop Oscar Cantú, April 7, 2017

Solidarity at the Service of All People in the Middle East
Archbishop William E. Lori, Bishop Oscar Cantú, Bishop Oscar Cantú, and Bishop Gregory J. Mansour, February 10, 2017

Letter to Representatives Smith and Eshoo Commending the Introduction of Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act of 2017
Bishop Oscar Cantú and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, January 30, 2017

Letter to Congress Regarding Genocide Resolution and Assistance for Survivors of Genocide
Bishop Oscar Cantú, September 21, 2016

Letter to Secretary of State on Peace Regarding Continued Work for Peace in the Middle East
Bishop Oscar Cantú, January 20, 2016

Letter to Senate Requesting Support of the Middle East Refugee Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2016
Bishop Oscar Cantú and Dr. Carolyn Woo, October 19, 2015

Letter to Representatives Fortenberry and Eshoo Commending Support for Genocide Resolution
Bishop Oscar Cantú, September 16, 2015

Letter to the House of Representatives in Support of the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015
Bishop Oscar Cantú, April 10, 2015

Testimony Before Congress on Religious Persecution
Bishop Oscar Cantú, March 11, 2015

USCCB President, Archbishop Kurtz, Calls for a Special Collection for Victims of Violence in the Middle East Español
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, August 19, 2014


Letter to President Obama Regarding Plight of Religious Minorities in Iraq
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, August 14, 2014

Bishop Pates Asks Bishops, Parishes to Offer Special Prayer on August 17 for Peace in Iraq │In English, Spanish and Vietnamese
Bishop Richard E. Pates, August 14, 2014

Letter to National Security Advisor Rice Regarding Violence Against Iraqi Christians
Bishop Richard E. Pates, July 25, 2014

Letter to National Security Advisor Rice on Situation in Iraq and Neighboring Syria
Bishop Richard E. Pates, June 19, 2014

Communique on Year's Events in the Region
Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 10, 2013

Letter to Secretary Clinton on Protection of Religious Freedom following Attacks in Egypt, Iraq and Nigeria
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, January 6, 2011

Letter to President Obama on Protection of Iraqi Christians
Cardinal Francis George, OMI, November 9, 2010

Letter to Secretary of State Clinton on Attack on Catholic Cathedral in Baghdad
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard and Bishop John C. Wester, November 4, 2010

Statement on Attack on Catholic Cathedral in Baghdad
Cardinal Francis George, OMI, November 1, 2010

Letter to Secretary of State Clinton on Protecting Iraqi People
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard and Bishop John C. Wester, October 15, 2010

Letter to National Security Advisor Jones Regarding Attacks on Iraqi Christians in Mosul
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, March 1, 2010

Iraq: 2004-2009

Letter to Secretary Clinton on Violence in Iraq and the Plight of Iraqi Christians
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, July 28, 2009

Letter to National Security Advisor Hadley on the Plight of Iraqi Christians
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, October 16, 2008

Letter to Congress Regarding Diplomatic Initiatives for Responsible Transition in Iraq
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, March 14, 2008

Letter to Chaldean Patriarch on Kidnapping and Death of the Archbishop of Mosul, Iraq
Cardinal Francis George, OMI , March 13, 2008

A Call for Bipartisan Cooperation on Responsible Transition in Iraq
Bishop William S. Skylstad, November 13, 2007

Questions and Answers on the War in Iraq │Also available as a Study Guide/Bulletin Insert
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, November 2007

Letter to Congress and Administration Officials on Dilemmas and Realities in Iraq
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, September 27, 2007

Letter to Congress on Deteriorating Situation in Iraq
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, July 18, 2007

Letter to Congress Sharing Concern for Dangerous and Deteriorating Situation in Iraq
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, July 17, 2007

Report - Escaping Mayhem and Murder: Iraqi Refugees in the Middle East
USCCB Migration and Refugee Services, July 2007

A Plea for Solidarity with Religious Minorities in Iraq
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, June 25, 2007

Statement: Evaluating Plans for a Responsible Transition in Iraq
Bishop William S. Skylstad, January 12, 2007

Call for Dialogue and Action on Responsible Transition in Iraq
Bishop William S. Skylstad, November 13, 2006

Letter to Secretary of State Rice on Deteriorating Situation for Religious Minorities in Iraq
Bishop Thomas Wenski, October 26, 2006

Statement on the Attack on the Golden Mosque in Samarra
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, February 24, 2006

Letter of Solidarity to Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly After Targeting of Christian Churches
Bishop William S. Skylstad, February 2, 2006

Toward a Responsible Transition in Iraq / Spanish / 4-page English Print Version
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, January 12, 2006

Letter to Secretary of State Rice and National Security Advisor Hadley Regarding Religious Freedom in Iraq
Bishop John H. Ricard, August 8, 2005

Letters to Patriarch Emmanuel DellySecretary of State Colin L. Powell, and Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on Iraqi Christians
Bishop John H. Ricard, October 22, 2004

Letter to Patriarch Emanuel DellySecretary Colin Powell, and Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on Bombings of Baghdad and Mosul Churches
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, August 6, 2004

Statement on Moral Responsibilities for United States in Iraq
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, June 22, 2004

Statement on Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners
Bishop John H. Ricard, May 14, 2004

Iraq: Prior to 2004

The Bishops and the War
May 16, 2003

Statements from Church Leaders on War in Iraq
January-April, 2003

Letter to Congress on Iraq War Supplemental Appropriations
Bishop John H. Ricard, S.S.J., April 9, 2003

Letter to U.S. Senate on Iraq War Supplemental Appropriations
Bishop John H. Ricard, S.S.J., March 28, 2003

Statement on War with Iraq
Bishop Wilton Gregory, March 19, 2003

Statement on Iraq I Homily for Ash Wednesday
Cardinal Pio Laghi, March 5, 2003

Statement on Iraq │En Español
Bishop Wilton Gregory, February 26, 2003 

International Plenary Address During Annual Social Ministry Gathering Regarding the Possibility of War in Iraq, the War on Terrorism, Globalization, and Poverty
Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love, February 2003

An Ethical Analysis of War Against Iraq
Mr. Gerard Powers, Presented at United States Institute of Peace, December 2002

Statement by the U.S. Catholic Bishops on Iraq │En Español
United States Catholic Bishops, November 13, 2002 

Letter to President Bush Raising Serious Moral Questions about the Use of Force Against Iraq │En Español
Bishop Wilton Gregory, September 13, 2002

Statement on Economic Embargo on Iraq
Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, November 15, 1999

Religious Leaders' Letter to President Clinton on Iraq Embargo
September 23, 1999

Statement on the Use of Force in Iraq
December 17, 1998

Statement on Iraq
Bishop Anthony Pilla, November 19, 1998

Letter to President Clinton on Situation in Iraq
U.S. Bishops, February 12, 1998

Letter to Secretary Albright Urges Means Other than War to Contain Iraq
February 10, 1998

Bishops' President Expresses Solidarity with Church in Iraq
Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, November 14, 1997

Syria

Statement: Calls for Prayer in the Wake of Earthquake in Turkey and Syria; Calls for Assistance
Bishop David J. Malloy, February 8, 2023

Chairman of U.S. Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace Raises Concern and Solicits Prayer Over Renewed Violence in Northeast Syria
October 17, 2019

Letter to Secretary of State Pompeo on Escalating Tensions with Iran
(Referencing Conflict in Syria, Iraq and Yemen)
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, June 18, 2019


Christians in the Middle East

U.S. Bishops’ Chairman Applauds Enactment of Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act
December 11, 2018

Letter to Senators Corker and Cardin in Support of the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
Bishop Oscar Cantú, June 9, 2017

Letter to Representatives Smith and Eshoo Commending Them for Advancing the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
Bishop Oscar Cantú, April 7, 2017

Solidarity at the Service of All People in the Middle East
Archbishop William E. Lori, Bishop Oscar Cantú, Bishop Oscar Cantú, and Bishop Gregory J. Mansour, February 10, 2017

Letter to Representatives Smith and Eshoo Commending the Introduction of Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act of 2017
Bishop Oscar Cantú and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, January 30, 2017

Letter to Congress Regarding Genocide Resolution and Assistance for Survivors of Genocide
Bishop Oscar Cantú, September 21, 2016

Letter to Secretary of State on Peace Regarding Continued Work for Peace in the Middle East
Bishop Oscar Cantú, January 20, 2016

Letter to Senate Requesting Support of the Middle East Refugee Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2016
Bishop Oscar Cantú and Dr. Carolyn Woo, October 19, 2015

Letter to Representatives Fortenberry and Eshoo Commending Support for Genocide Resolution
Bishop Oscar Cantú, September 16, 2015

Letter to the House of Representatives in Support of the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015
Bishop Oscar Cantú, April 10, 2015

Testimony Before Congress on Religious Persecution
Bishop Oscar Cantú, March 11, 2015

USCCB President, Archbishop Kurtz, Calls for a Special Collection for Victims of Violence in the Middle East Español
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, August 19, 2014


Letter to National Security Advisor Rice on Situation in Iraq and Neighboring Syria
Bishop Richard E. Pates, June 19, 2014

Press Conference on Syria - Opening Remarks
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Richard E. Pates, Bishop John Wester, September 11, 2013

Statement on Syria
USCCB Administrative Committee, September 10, 2013

Letter to Congress Regarding Conflict in Syria and Possible U.S. Military Intervention
Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Richard E. Pates, September 5, 2013

Letter to President Obama Regarding Syria
Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Richard E. Pates, September 4, 2013


Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Syria

Day of Fasting and Prayer - On September 7, 2013, 100,000 people joined Pope Francis for a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world. Across the globe, millions more participated.  Text and Video of His Homily

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Joins Pope Francis' Call for Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Syria
USCCB News Release, September 3, 2013

U.S. Catholics Urged to Join Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Syria I Information on Fasting 
Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Richard E. Pates, September 3, 2013

"Never Again War! Peace is a Precious Gift": September 7th, a Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Syria
Pope Francis, Angelus, September 1, 2013


Letter to Secretary of State Kerry Regarding the Pope's Meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan and the Situation in Syria
Bishop Richard E. Pates, August 29, 2013

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry on Conflict in Syria
Bishop Richard E. Pates and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, June 19, 2013

Letter to National Security Advisor Donilon on Escalating Violence in Syria and on Concerns of the Christian Community in Syria
Bishop Richard E. Pates, April 29, 2013

President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Prays for Return of Orthodox Archbishops Kidnapped in Syria
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, April 26, 2013

Communique on Year's Events in the Region
Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 10, 2013

Letter to National Security Advisor Donilon on the Situation in Syria and the Plight of Refugees
Bishop Richard E. Pates, April 13, 2012

Letter to President Obama to Urge Pursuit of Israeli-Palestinian Peace and Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, April 14, 2011 

Letter in Support of a Comprehensive Middle East Peace
Churches for Middle East Peace, September 22, 2009

Letter to President Obama on Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, May 17, 2009

Letter to President Obama on Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Syrian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, January 27, 2009

Window of Hope for the Peace of Jerusalem: Jewish, Christian and Muslim Religious Leaders Call for Urgent U.S. Leadership
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, November, 2008

Letter to President Bush on Support for Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace and Peace with Arab Neighbors
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, January 30, 2008

Letter to Secretary of State Rice Regarding the Convening of a Conference for Peace in the Middle East
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, November 1, 2007

Letter to Secretary of State Albright Concerning Peace Process for Israelis and Palestinians and Efforts for the Withdrawal of Syrian Troops from Lebanon
Cardinal Bernard Law, November 22, 2000

Israel and Palestine: 2016-2020

Statement on the Normalization of Israel and United Arab Emirates Relations
Bishop David J. Malloy, August 20, 2020

Statement Upon Release of Trump Administration’s “Peace to Prosperity” Plan
Bishop David J. Malloy, February 4, 2020

Letter to Secretary of State Pompeo Regarding "Peace to Prosperity" Proposal
Bishop David J. Malloy, February 3, 2020

Communiqué - We Must Not Ignore the Voice of People in the Holy Land
Coordination of Bishop' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 2020

Letter to Secretary of State Pompeo Regarding President's Announcement Concerning Establishment of Israeli Settlements in the West Bank
Bishop David J. Malloy, November 22, 2019

Letter to President Trump Expressing Concern for the Dire Situation of the Hospitals in East Jerusalem
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio and Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Bishop Michael B. Curry of The Episcopal Church, October of 2019

Letter to Secretary of State Pompeo Regarding President's Proclamation on Recognizing the Golan Heights as Part of State of Israel
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, April 24, 2019

In a letter to Secretary of State Pompeo, Archbishop Broglio expresses deep concern over the President's March 25 Proclamation on Recognizing the Golan Heights as Part of the State of Israel and the dangerous precedent it sets.

Letter to Administration Urging Reinstatement of U.S. Funding for Basic Human Needs to Palestinians
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio and Mr. Sean Callahan, October 23, 2018 

U.S. Humanitarian Assistance to Hospitals in East Jerusalem
Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Bishops from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA Conference of Bishops, and The Episcopal Church, November 2018

U.S. Church Leaders Express Strong Concern Over Israel's Plan to Tax Church-owned Real Estate
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, March 13, 2018


Bridges, Not Walls: Hispanic Bishops' Pilgrimage for Peace in the Holy Land, January 18-27, 2018

Bridges, Not Walls: Reflections of the Bishops' Pilgrimage for Peace in the Holy Land
Bishop Oscar Cantú, Bishop Nelson Jesus Perez, Bishop José A. Cepeda, Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, Bishop Felipe de Jesús Estévez, Bishop Armando Xavier Ochoa, Bishop Rutilio del Riego, Bishop Alberto Rojas, and Bishop Plácido Rodriguez
January 18-27, 2018

Homily: Holy Mass at the Garden of Gethsemane
Bishop Plácido Rodriguez, January 22, 2018


Communique: Hope for a Better Future
Coordination of Bishop' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 2018

Letter to Secretary of State Tillerson Regarding Plans to Relocate the U.S. Embassy in Tel-Aviv
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, January 5, 2018

Letter to the President Trump on Israeli-Palestinian Peace Initiative
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, July 19, 2017

Letter to Secretary of State Tillerson on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza
Bishop Oscar Cantú, February 1, 2017

Communique: Fifty Years of Occupation Demands Action
Coordination of Bishop' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 18, 2017

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry Regarding Injustices Against Palestinians in West Bank Village of Susya
Bishop Oscar Cantú, September 15, 2016

Pursuing Peace and Strengthening Presence
The Atlanta Summit of Churches in the USA and the Holy Land, Patriarch Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and Bishop Oscar Cantú, April 20, 2016

Letter to National Security Advisor Rice Urging Renewed Efforts to Achieve a Peace Agreement
Bishop Oscar Cantú, January 20, 2016

Communique: You Are Not Forgotten
Coordination of Bishops' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 14, 2016

Israel and Palestine: 2011-2015

Letter to Ambassador Dermer Concerning the Christian Schools in Israel
Bishop Oscar Cantú, September 22, 2015

Letter to Secretary Kerry Protesting Israeli Confiscation of Cremisan Valley Land
Bishop Oscar Canú, August 24, 2015

Letter to Congress Regarding Efforts to Construct Barrier in the Cremisan Valley and Separate Palestinians from Agricultural Lands
Bishop Oscar Cantú, February 11, 2015

Letter to President Obama Urging Efforts to Negotiate with Israel and Palestine for Two-State Peace Agreement
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, January 21, 2015

Communique: Bishops Call for Human Dignity as Basis of Peace
Coordination of Bishops' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 15, 2015

Letter to Ambassador of Israel Dermer Conveying Condolences for the Synagogue Attack at Har Nof
Bishop Oscar Cantú, November 20, 2014

Communiqué: Bishops' Prayer Pilgrimage for Peace in the Holy Land
September 22, 2014

USCCB President, Archbishop Kurtz Calls for a Special Collection for Victims of Violence in the Middle East Español
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, August 19, 2014

Statement: Jewish, Christian and Muslim Religious Leaders Welcome Ceasefire; Call Urgently for Renewed Negotiations for a Two-State Peace Agreement 
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, August 14, 2014

Letter to Congress Urging Support for a Ceasefire and Humanitarian Assistance for Gaza
Bishop Richard E. Pates and Dr. Carolyn Woo, July 23, 2014

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry Regarding Humanitarian and Development Assistance to Gaza
Bishop Richard E. Pates, July 20, 2014

Letter to Secretary Kerry on Peace Negotiations Between Israel and Palestine
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, May 20, 2014

Letter to President Obama Regarding Israeli-Palestinian Peace
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz and Bishop Richard E. Pates, March 12, 2014

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry on Israel and Palestine and Request for Meeting with Council of Religious Institutions in the Holy Land
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, February 28, 2014

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry Regarding Confiscation of Cremisan Valley and Statement: Urgent Need for Support as Beit Jala Families Seek Justice at Supreme Court of Israel Hearing Into Cremisan Valley 
Bishop Richard E. Pates and Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 28, 2014

Communiqué: Bishops Call for Leaders of Hope
Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 15, 2014

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry and to Congress Regarding Initiative to Resume Negotiations Between Palestinians and Israelis
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, July 26, 2013

Letter to President Obama on Nuclear Disarmament and on Israeli-Palestinian Peace
Timothy Cardinal Dolan and Bishop Richard E. Pates, June 25, 2013

Letter Commending Secretary of State Kerry on Holy Land Initiative
Bishop Richard E. Pates, May 21, 2013

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry on Separation Barrier in the Cremisan Valley
Bishop Richard E. Pates, May 6, 2013

Statement: Twilight of Hope for Israeli-Palestinian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, January 2013

Communique on Year's Events in the Region
Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 10, 2013

Letter to President Obama Urging Strong Leadership for Israeli-Palestinian Peace
Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Richard Pates, January 9, 2013

Letter to President Obama on Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace
Churches for Middle East Peace - Christian leaders, including Bishop Richard E. Pates, January 7, 2013

Letter to Congress on Palestinian Assistance and UN Vote
Bishop Richard E. Pates, December 3, 2012

Letter to National Security Advisor Donilon on Violence Between Gaza and Southern Israel
Bishop Richard E. Pates, November 20, 2012

Letter to Secretary of State Clinton on Israel and Palestine and the Separation Barrier in the Cremisan Valley
Bishop Richard E. Pates, November 8, 2012

Statement on Anti-Christian Grafitti on Monastery in Latrun: Why are Christians Again the Target 
Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, September 4, 2012

Letter to Secretary of State Clinton on Israeli-Palestinian Peace and West Bank Settlements
Bishop Richard E. Pates, July 13, 2012

Statement: Concern for Peace in the Middle East
USCCB Administrative Committee, March 14, 2012

Statement: Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace is More Urgent Than Ever
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, March 1, 2012

Communiqué of the Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy land
Bishops of the Holy Land Coordination, January 12, 2012

Letter to President Obama Urging Strong U.S. Leadership for Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, May 20, 2011

Letter to President Obama Urging Pursuit of Israeli-Palestinian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, April 14, 2011 

Israel and Palestine: 2006-2010

Statement: New Hope for the Peace of Jerusalem
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, September 29, 2010

Letter Supporting U.S. Leadership for Israeli-Palestinian Peace
Ecumenical Faith Leaders, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard and Ken Hackett, April 5, 2010

Statement: The Courage to Achieve Peace in the Holy Land
Communiqué of the Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 14, 2010

Statement: Interfaith Delegation of American Jewish, Christian and Muslim Religious Leaders Travel, Pray Together and Meet with Jordanians, Israelis and Palestinians; Delegation Asserts Urgency of U.S. Leadership in 2010 to Achieve Negotiated
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, December 30, 2009

Letter in Support of a Comprehensive Middle East Peace
Churches for Middle East Peace, September 22, 2009

Letter to Secretary of State Clinton on Evictions of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah Section of Jerusalem
Ecumenical Faith Leaders, Churches for Middle East Peace, August 7, 2009

Support Bold Action for Peace in the Holy Land
Catholics Confront Global Poverty, June 9, 2009

Letter to President Obama Regarding Israeli-Palestinian Peace
Ecumenical Leaders, June 4, 2009

Letter to President Obama on Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, May 17, 2009

Letter to President Obama on Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Syrian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, January 27, 2009

Communiqué: Stop the Violence, Start Building Peace
Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 15, 2009

Letter to Secretary of State Rice on Violence in Gaza and the Need for Humanitarian Aid
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, December 30, 2008

Window of Hope for the Peace of Jerusalem: Jewish, Christian and Muslim Religious Leaders Call for Urgent U.S. Leadership
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, November, 2008

Letter to President-elect Obama on Israeli-Palestinian Peace
Ecumenical Church Leaders, December 1, 2008

Letter to Secretary of State Rice on Support for Egypt Led Diplomatic Efforts Towards Cessation of Hostilities Between Israelis and Palestinians
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, March 20, 2008

Letter to President Bush on Support for Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, January 30, 2008

Communique: Speaking a Word of Hope at a Critical Time for the Holy Land
Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, January 16, 2008

Call for Prayer on Eve of Peace Conference
Cardinal Francis George, November 21, 2007

Letter to Secretary of State Rice Regarding the Convening of a Conference for Peace and Negotiations for a Two-State Solution for Israel and Palestine
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, November 1, 2007

Letter to Congress on Resolution to Advance Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process and Affirm Two-State Solution
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, June 12, 2007

Letter to Israeli Foreign Minister Livni Regarding the Fundamental Agreement Between Holy See and State of Israel
Bishop William S. Skylstad, April 19, 2007

Letter to President Bush Regarding Prioritizing Israeli-Palestinian Peacemaking Within a Comprehensive Arab-Israeli Peace Initiative
Ecumenical Church Leaders, January 23, 2007

Statement on Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace: From Crisis to Hope
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, December 12, 2006

Letter to Secretary of State Rice on Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, December 12, 2006

Letter to Congress on Cycle of Violence in the Middle East
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, July 20, 2006

Letter to All U.S. Bishops Declaring July 23 to be a Day of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East
Bishop William S. Skylstad, July 20, 2006

Letter of Solidarity to Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Sabbah During Time of Escalating Violence in the Holy Land
Bishop William S. Skylstad, July 14, 2006

Statements of the Holy See and Churches in the Holy Land Calling for End to Violence
July 2006

Break the Cycle of Violence in the Holy Land
Bishop Thomas Wenski, July 17, 2006

Letter to Congress on Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act
Bishop Thomas Wenski, May 25, 2006

Letter to Congress with Suggested Amendments to the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act
Bishop Thomas Wenski, April 6, 2006

Letter to Congress on U.S. Policy Toward Palestinians
Bishop Thomas Wenski, March 1, 2006

Appeal to the President to Make Israeli-Palestinian Peace a Priority of U.S. Policy
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, February 28, 2006

Statement Issuing a Moral Call to Public Authorities to Work for a Just Peace in the Holy Land
Co-ordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church of the Holy Land and Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, January 19, 2006

Israel and Palestine: 2001-2005

Letter to President Bush from Campaign for American Leadership in the Middle East Regarding Resolution of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
November 23, 2005

Statement Protesting Iranian President's Remarks on Israel
Bishop John H. Ricard, October 31, 2005

Letter to President Bush on Commitment to Achieving Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, April 14, 2005

Statement on the Developments in the Middle East Peace Process and Announcement by Israel and the Palestinian Authority to End Violence
Bishop John H. Ricard, February 10, 2005

Letter to Secretary of State Designate Rice on Negotiations Between Israel and the Holy See on the Rights of the Church in the Holy Land
Bishop William S. Skylstad, January 18, 2005

Letter to Ambassador of Israel Ayalon on Negotiations Between Israel and the Holy See Concerning the Church in the Holy Land
Bishop William S. Skylstad, January 18, 2005

Remarks at the National Press Club on Peace for the Middle East
Cardinal William Keeler, January 13, 2005

Addresses to Presidents of Israel and of the Palestinian Authority Regarding Conflict in the Holy Land
Bishop William S. Skylstad, January 11-13, 2005

Letter to President Bush on the Death of Yasser Arafat
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, November 11, 2004

Statement on the Death of Yasser Arafat: A Moment for Peace in the Middle East
Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, November 11, 2004

Religious Leaders Urge Administration for Full Implementation of the Road Map to Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, June 1, 2004

Letter to Secretary of State Powell Regarding Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 
National Interreligious Leadership Delegation, June 1, 2004

Statement Concerning U.S. Support for Sharon Initiative
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, April 26, 2004

Letter to President George W. Bush on Deteriorating Situation in the Holy Land
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, April 13, 2004

Message from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem on Easter Sunday
April 11, 2004

Letter to Ambassador of Israel Ayalon on Visas for Church Personnel in the Holy Land
Bishop John H. Ricard and Cardinal William Keeler, April 7, 2004

Statement: The Universal Church in Solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land
Catholic Bishops from Europe and the Americas, January 15, 2004

Letter from U.S, Congress in Support of the Work of the National Interreligious Leadership Initiative
December 3, 2003

Statement: Twelve Urgent Steps for Peace | List of Signatories
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, December 2, 2003

Remarks at Press Conference on National Interreligious Leadership Initiative
December 2, 2003

Letter to President Bush on National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, November 25, 2003

Statement on the Separation Wall
Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, August 26, 2003

Christian, Jewish and Muslim Leaders Unite to Urge Active U.S. Leadership in Pursuit of Middle East Peace
National Interreligious Leadership Initiative, June 2003

Letter to President Bush on the Road Map for Peace in the Middle East
Bishop Wilton Gregory, May 30, 2003

Letter to Ambassador of Israel Ayalon on Extension of the Security Wall Between Israel and the West Bank
Bishop John H. Ricard, March 14, 2003

Letter to Ambassador of Israel Ayalon on Issues Experienced by Religious in Obtaining Visas and Work Permits
Bishop John H. Ricard, January 15, 2003

Letter to Latin Patriarch Sabbah on Special Observance on Mount Zion and Siege in Bethlehem
Bishop Wilton Gregory, May 16, 2002

Statement on the Siege by Palestinian Gunmen and Israeli Military at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
Bishop Wilton Gregory, May 10, 2002

Letter to President Bush on Escalating Violence in the Holy Land
Bishop Wilton Gregory, April 10, 2002

Statement Condemning Increased Violence Between Israelis and Palestinians
Bishop Wilton Gregory, April 2, 2002

Statement on Israeli-Palestinian Violence
Administrative Committee, March 13, 2002

Statement on Cancellation of Plans to Construct a Mosque in Nazareth
Bishop Wilton Gregory, March 6, 2002

Statement on Plans to Construct a Mosque Adjacent to Christian Shrine in Nazareth
Bishop Wilton Gregory, February 6, 2002

A Message to the Christians of the Holy Land from the Visiting Bishops of Europe and North America
January 24, 2002

Letter to Prime Minister of Israel Sharon Regarding the Stopping of the Construction of the Mosque in Nazareth
January 23, 2002

Statement on Decision to Relocate Site for Construction of Mosque in Nazareth
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, January 9, 2002

Letter to Ambassador of Israel Ivry Regarding Terrorist Attacks on Israelis and the Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Bernard Cardinal Law, December 4, 2001

Letter to Chief Representative of the Palestinian Liberation Organization Raham Regarding Attacks on Israeli Civilians
Bernard Cardinal Law, December 4, 2001

Statement at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross Regarding Acts of Terrorism and the Future of Israel and of Palestine
Cardinal Bernard Law, December 2, 2001

Statement on Incursions into Bethlehem and Other Palestinian-controlled Areas
Bernard Cardinal Law, October 24, 2001

Resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian Crisis
A Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, June 15, 2001

Israel and Palestine: 2000 and Earlier

Letter to Ambassador of Israel Ivry Regarding Military Attacks on Civilian Areas and Isolation of Palestinian Towns
Cardinal Bernard Law, December 18, 2000

Letter to Ambassador of Israel Ivry Urging an End to the Violence Between Israelis and Palestinians and Revival of Peace Process
Cardinal Bernard Law, November 22, 2000

Letter to Secretary of State Albright Concerning Peace Process for Israelis and Palestinians and Efforts for the Withdrawal of Syrian Troops from Lebanon
Cardinal Bernard Law, November 22, 2000

Returning to the Path of Peace in the Middle East
United States Catholic Conference, November 15, 2000

Letter to Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Sabbah on Violence in Bethlehem, Beit Sahour and Beit Jalam
Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, November 13, 2000

Wounded Peace: Conflict in the Holy Land
Cardinal Bernard Law, October 16, 2000

Address to the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation Regarding Christians in the Holy Land
October 21, 2000

Address on the Question of Safeguarding the Holy Places in Jerusalem
Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, March 10, 1999

Report on the Symposium of Bishops Conferences on Jerusalem
November 17, 1998

The Future of Jerusalem: Some Clarifications
November 17, 1998

Backgrounder and Summary Timeline on the Crisis in Nazareth
November 1999

Letter to President Clinton on the Crisis in Nazareth
Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, October 29, 1999

Letter to Ambassador of Israel Shoval on Plans to Build a Mosque Next to Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth
Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, October 21, 1999

Toward Peace in the Middle East: Perspectives, Principles, and Hopes
National Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 9, 1989

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Since the first century, pilgrimage to the Holy Land has been a tradition for Christians. Making a pilgrimage can be a profoundly holy and transforming experience. Pilgrims should be prepared to engage in a distinctly Christian and life-changing religious experience.

Pilgrimage Guidelines

Print-ready Revised Pilgrimage Guidelines in PDF Format