Anglican Communion News Service

In a phone conversation this New Year's Eve with the Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem, the Rt Revd Riah Abu el Assal, ACNS learned that the Episcopal Church's hospital has been occupied by Israeli soldiers.

"I am in deep shock and dismay at this news from our priest in Nablus," said Bishop Riah. "The parish priest and the hospital administrator of St Like's have been denied access to the building and the priest was warned he would be shot if such an attempt were made".

At the time of this report we do not have details as to the number of patients inside the building. Bishop Riah said there was "real panic" at the situation and he was deeply concerned for the patients, staff and the local community.

The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Revd Canon John L. Peterson, expressed his concern at the news and said he hoped Anglicans everywhere would keep Christians in the Holy Land in their prayers, especially during this Christmas season.

Article by Jim Rosenthal in London