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Pilgrimage in Israel and Palestine

Why should I go?

Our brothers and sisters in Christ, with whom we are called to be of one Body (1 Corinthians 12) are yearning for us to come.

We are called to love God with all of our minds as well as with all of our hearts (Matthew 22:37); we should therefore be as informed as possible about the history and present-day needs of all people in this "cradle of our faith."

"Come, follow me," said Jesus (Mark 1:17). Visiting the sites of the Bible and walking where Jesus walked enriches our understanding of scripture and personal devotions.

This is a Presbyterian calling.


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What kind of trip should I take?

Presbyterians understand Christian faith to occur at the intersection of the divine and the human, the ancient and the contemporary, and the prayerful and the just.
Pilgrimage that feeds that faith and empowers our lives of discipleship should include:

  • Significant time visiting local Christians and church leaders as well as the “holy sites”
  • Significant time in the Palestinian Territories (West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza) as well as in Israel
  • Opportunities to meet Israeli and Palestinian peacemakers
  • Opportunities to hear a variety of perspectives from Israelis and Palestinians—including Jews, Muslims, and Christians

As you make plans to go, be sure to consider our "Top Ten Questions" to ask about your Holy Land trip.

An excellent set of guidelines for Presbyterian pilgrimages was created by the New Jersey Israel-Palestine Education Group (NJ IPEG), a consortium of several New Jersey Presbyteries.

 

 

Are there Presbyterian trips I can join?

Presbyterian congregations, presbyteries, and other groups such as the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship often organize trips to Israel and Palestine. When they have spaces available, such trips will be listed here. If you are organizing or planning to take part in one, let us know at IPMNtravel@yahoo.com so we can post it here.

What about other trips?

There are many organizations that lead visits that are in harmony with our calling to authentic pilgrimage; a list of upcoming ones is maintained by Friends of Sabeel North America at Alternative Travel Opportunities.

What if I want to set up a trip for my church?

Fantastic! This will allow you shape your visit to fit the interests and needs of your particular church.

Let us help! In addition to the resources on this site, we are glad to help you personally: We can offer suggestions and advice, help you connect with local congregations and organizations and, if you like, help publicize your trip. Send us a message at IPMNtravel@yahoo.com.

How can I learn more?

  • Rev. Dr. Betty Jane Bailey, author of Living Stones Pilgrimage with the Christians of the Holy Land, maintains Holyland Resources www.holylandalternatives.net/travel.html, a website with extensive suggestions and resources for anyone considering taking or leading an authentic pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine.
  • To learn more about the region as you prepare to go, you can start with the reading list developed by the New Jersey Israel-Palestine Education Group.  A more extensive resource list is available on PCUSA’s Israel and Palestine pages [link to www.pcusa.org/worldwide/israelpalestine/
    resources.htm    .
  • As always, feel free to contact us with your questions at IPMNtravel@yahoo.com.