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BISHOP'S OFFICE

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung invites you to The Holy Land, the Holy People Trip to Israel scheduled for November 14 – 23, 2026. The tour will be led by The Society for Biblical Studies (SBC), an ecumenical, interfaith and inclusive organization. SBC seeks to renew the mission of the Church by making this experience contextual and grounding it in biblical faith. You are invited to participate in a ministry of reconciliation, to reach out across geographic, religious, ethnic and cultural boundaries to new horizons of mission.

Why go? Why go now?
Christians have long traveled to the Holy Land to walk where Jesus walked. But Jesus also proclaimed, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” This journey invites us not only to walk in the places where Jesus lived and taught, but to walk alongside people pursuing peace in Israel and Palestine today.

At a time of profound conflict, grief, and uncertainty, presence itself can become a form of ministry. Palestinian Christians have asked the wider church to come. Israelis working for peace are also inviting people to listen, learn, and stand alongside them. This journey is an opportunity to hear directly from people whose lives are shaped by this conflict and to strengthen relationships with those working toward a just and lasting peace.

Both the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences have repeatedly called United Methodists to engage questions of justice and peace in Israel and Palestine. This journey provides an opportunity to move from resolutions and statements toward relationships – to listen to people on the ground, learn from their experiences, and discern how we might faithfully support the work of peace when we return home. 

Choose from one of two tracks offered for The Holy Land, The Holy People tour.
Track #1
10-Day Survey of the Bible with Contemporary Studies.
$4,273 per person. (includes airfare from NYC)

This track will provide an overview of the geographic, social, historical, archaeological, and cultural settings to the Bible. It will also help the participants become familiar with the nature of Christianity in The Holy Land and to gain a deeper understanding of the Israeli Palestinian conflict.

View the Track 1 itinerary.

Track #2
10-Day Fact Finding, Advocacy, Peacemaking in the Holy Lands.
$3,514 per person. (includes airfare from NYC)

Designed for those whose interests and passions center on peace with justice. During the 10 days you will learn the history and current state of the Israeli Palestinian conflict and the role of the Church in it through in-depth meetings and conversations with Israelis and Palestinians. You will also explore models of Christian mission and learn ingredients of effective advocacy. During this time, you will engage with activists and influencers from all bands of the political spectrum.

View the Track 2 itinerary.

Financial Support Scholarships Available
A team from across the Ohio Episcopal Area will consider scholarship applications, with priority given to young clergy and seminary students. E-mail Multicultural Ministries Director Will Fenton-Jones for more information.

Learn about this Society for Biblical Studies pilgrimage at www.sbsbibletours.org.