Bishop's Advent appeal

In the mid-1980s, in the prelude to the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip a charity was formed by a small group of British physiotherapists and Christian leaders to ensure that necessary aid reached children - both Muslim and Christian - severely damaged physically or mentally in the cross-fire of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Its principal region of activity was to be the Christian city of Bethlehem and its surrounding villages, hence its memorable acronym and title: ABCD, Action around Bethlehem Children with Disability. It is politically non-aligned, includes devout Christians and Muslims in its support staff, enjoys the patronage of religious and parliamentary leaders, and is resourced by private and group donation.

The most recent bulletin gives some indication of what the current needs of the charity are. In nominating this charity the Bishop has said: "We prepare ourselves in Advent to celebrate the birth of the child of ancient biblical promise, the child of Bethlehem, Our Lord Jesus Christ. This Advent I strongly urge the chaplaincies and congregations of the Diocese in Europe to take the disabled young people of Bethlehem to their hearts, and give generously in support of ABCD and their families. The Church can and often does add its crie de coeur for peace and reconciliation among the adults of Israel-Palestine today; but the gift to its children and teenagers - who are the adults of tomorrow - of friendship and hope, is one of the best ways we can witness to the great Good News of Bethlehem's most exalted son."

You may wish to use this in your parish magazine or website notices of the Advent Appeal.

Download the bulletin as a PDF file here (warning: this file is about 450K).

Donations, whether private or by chaplaincy councils, will be accepted until Ash Wednesday.