The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell Danny Lawson/PA Wire

UK: “Israeli Militias Intimidated Us During Holy Land Visit” – States Archbishop of York! (26.12.2025)

“It was sobering to see this wall for real on my visit to the Holy Land, and we were stopped at various checkpoints and intimidated by local Israeli militias who told us that we couldn’t visit Palestinian families in the occupied West Bank.

“But this Christmas morning, as well as thinking about the walls that divide and separate the Holy Land, I’m also thinking of all the walls and barriers we erect across the whole of the world and, perhaps, most alarming of all, the ones we build around ourselves and construct in our hearts, and of how our fearful shielding of ourselves from strangers.

“The strangers we encounter in the homeless on our streets, refugees seeking asylum, young people robbed of opportunity and growing up without hope for the future, means that we are in danger of even failing to welcome Christ when he comes.”

Lao PDR - Day of Disability!

Laos: Buddhist-Socialist Republic Cares for Disabled People – December 3rd – “International Day for Persons with Disabilities”! (4.12.2024)

This is just one of many paths to progress. Around the world, persons with disabilities are leading the way in identifying innovative solutions that break down barriers and create a more accessible world. That advances equality for everyone.

On this International Day for Persons with Disabilities, let us join forces in making it easier for persons with disabilities to share their experiences and knowledge and to influence decisions that impact their lives.

Let us work together to build societies that are more inclusive – to the benefit of persons with disabilities and the benefit of us all.