There is surely no better way to end my first year of theological study than a trip to the Holy Land, writes Eilidh Proudfoot (left at Masada looking to the Dead Sea). As a student at New College, I was invited to join the ministerial candidates of the Church of Scotland who are studying at Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities to explore the sights around Israel and experience some of its history and politics.
Our itinerary included some of the key biblical sites, and scripture came to life in a new way as I stood in the landscape Jesus travelled through. We also visited places that provided insight into the complicated political situation that exists in the Holy Land. There was one particular day when we visited a refugee camp in Bethlehem. As we walked the streets in the shadow of the wall we found remains of rubber bullets and tear gas canisters – a sobering experience. As we left through a checkpoint, armed soldiers boarded our bus to check our passports. The drive to our next stop, the Nativity Church, was understandably subdued. As we clambered off the bus however, we were swept up in a joyous wedding procession where the bridal party filled the street dancing towards the Church – a reminder that despite the hard realities of the West Bank, life continues. People fall in love, get married, raise children and in amongst all the brokenness and complexity, faith can flourish.
We visited several organisations – the House of Grace, Wi’am, Tent of Nations and Sindyana – which work to bring reconciliation to Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Examples included providing hospitality to former prisoners and working to empower women to be able to provide for their families and access education. Work with children was also important as they were encouraged to look to the future with hope rather than back to the events that could leave them feeling like victims. These were humbling stories of how Christians are defiantly offering hope in the midst of adversity.
The Christian fellowship was wonderful. Many rich conversations took place throughout the week as we travelled on buses, walked the streets and sat around the dinner table. Sharing in Communion led by Professor Susan Hardman-Moore on the shore of the Sea of Galilee was particularly special.
I would like to thank the staff of New College for organising and leading us so ably, SEI Principal Revd Anne Tomlinson for encouraging me to go, and the St James Fund Committee for making my travel possible.
