As the Labour Party Conference began this week, almost 200 people, from churches and charities, came together for a Walk of Witness in Liverpool to renew calls for a just peace in the Middle East.

The event was part of the Time to Act campaign, organised by the Just Peace Coalition - a growing, UK-wide ecumenical movement mobilising churches and supporters to amplify the voices of Palestinian Christians and pressure the UK Government for continued action towards a sustainable and just peace for all those who call the Holy Land home.

On Sunday 27 September, as the Labour Party Conference opened, the Walk of Witness began from Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. Among those taking part were Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, and Bishop Tom Neylon, Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, as well as the cathedral deans, the president of the Methodist Church, Revd Mark Slaney, and representatives from coalition members including CAFOD, Embrace the Middle East, All We Can, Sabeel-Kairos and Christian Aid.

Following the walk, Bishop Tom said: "This witness brings together Christians from different traditions united by our commitment to peace. Walking together between Liverpool's two cathedrals symbolises our shared belief that prayer must be accompanied by practical action in support of a just and lasting peace for everyone who calls the Holy Land home."

The walk finished at Liverpool Cathedral where there was a presentation from a panel, featuring Daoud Nassar (from Tent of Nations), Canon Yazid Said (Palestinian-born Israeli citizen and an Anglican priest), and representatives of the Just Peace Coalition.

The aim of the day was to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians living under occupation and hear from people like Daoud and Canon Yazid about their experiences.

Daoud explained how his family had started his farm 100 years ago and spent the past 35 years struggling in Israeli courts against confiscation of their land.

He continued: “Our approach is non-violent resistance. Even when they cut down trees, damage our water tanks and threaten us with guns, we refuse to be victims or to hate; we refuse to be enemies.

“We have to believe one day justice will prevail. We are suffering and we feel, as Palestinian Christians, we are becoming a minority - we feel forgotten.

“It’s very important for us that the Church ‘walks the talk’ in working for justice. It’s not enough for the Church to preach about justice from behind closed doors. It needs to look for the people in need and be the prophetic voice in the wilderness. The Church should not remain silent.

“It’s not about one side against the other – it’s about justice for people who are in need. When we see people in the UK joining the struggle and walking with us, we feel encouraged, and we invite anyone to visit the Tent of Nations to come and see what is happening.”

CAFOD Director, Christine Allen, said: “We have gathered today to pray for peace for all who call the holy land home, and to hear first hand of the suffering endured by people living in occupied Palestinian territory.

"We welcome the Government’s actions so far, especially banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements, and, for the first time, naming the Israeli occupation of Palestine unlawful.

"Sadly, the extent of the suffering means we must act urgently and go further in support of our sisters and brothers in order to preserve prospects for a just and peaceful future. We call on the government to increase international pressure to ensure accountability for all parties bringing about harm, and we continue our witness and prayers for peace.”

Just Peace Coalition spokesperson Dr Ruth Valerio said:  “This walk in Liverpool was about listening to the voices of Palestinian Christians and making sure those in positions of authority hear them too.”