Following Fr Gabriel Romanelli's harrowing and moving testimony about life in Gaza shared while he visited Scotland on Friday 26th April, Archbishop Nolan, and Rev. Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, have signed a declaration calling for an end to war in The Holy Land and affirming the solidarity of our Christian faith communities with Fr Gabriel and his parishioners, with the Christians of Gaza and with people of all faiths and none across region whose lives have been tormented by war and violence. 

The full text follows:

From Glasgow to Gaza: A Cry for Peace in the Holy Land – A Declaration to mark the visit of Fr Gabriel Romanelli to Scotland

On the occasion of Fr Gabriel Romanelli’s visit to Glasgow on 26th April 2024, we, the undersigned, express our solidarity with the people of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, the Christian community of the Holy Land and people of all faiths and none across the region tormented by war.

In recent months, millions of innocent people have suffered the consequences of violence and war. Families and communities have been devastated. Many have lost hope for a peaceful future. Men, women and children have been robbed of their innate human dignity and their right to survive and thrive. Our cry is “Enough is enough”.

• We stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Gaza and across the Holy Land. May they feel our solidarity and Jesus’ loving embrace.
• We stand in solidarity with all the sons and daughters of Abraham, the peoples of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths in the Holy Land, that all may know deep peace and reconciliation in their lifetimes.
• We stand in support of agencies and individuals who are serving those suffering at their time of greatest need. May they be rewarded for their courage and compassion.
• We stand united with all people of good will who are campaigning for an end to this violence. May we never lose hope and may our resolve not falter.
• We stand together as disciples of Jesus Christ, who, in the very lands that are lacerated by hostility and violence today, called on his followers to be peacemakers. In the name of God, we call for an end to war, closure of heart and hatred to be replaced with dialogue, reconciliation, and peace.

Today we cry out to all people in positions of power to end this senseless violence. We pray to Almighty God that their hearts may be turned towards compassion, and that they may have the courage and wisdom to pursue the path of justice and peace for all who call the Holy Land home.

Most Rev. Archbishop William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow

Right Rev. Sally Foster-Fulton. Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland