Dave was in the UK from 20 June to 3 July to attend the Methodist Conference. On the Tuesday of Conference, he led a Bible study based on the Presidential theme, “Joy, Sorrow”, reflecting on the realities of Palestine and Israel.
The study can be viewed on the Conference livestream recording (Watch again - The Methodist Church, Representative Session 4 from approximately 17 minutes.)
Later that afternoon, Fr. Fadi Diab, Anglican Priest in Ramallah, introduced the Kairos II document to Conference (Watch again - The Methodist Church, Representative Session 5 from approximately 28 minutes). Conference received the report and agreed to take a number of practical steps including commissioning a study guide to help local churches engage with and reflect on the Kairos II document, and requesting that the President of Conference write to the Prime Minister urging the UK Government to respond to the calls set out in the Time to Act campaign.
Rev. Dave Hardman, Father Fadi Diab, Rev. Ian Rutherford and Mr. Bala Gnanapragasam during the Methodist Conference.
Rev. Dave Hardman leading a Bible Study during the Conference
Archbishop of Canterbury visit
Just before leaving for the UK Dave met with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally at St. George's. She made a solidarity pilgrimage to support the Christians of Palestine and Israel. Her programme included several meaningful encounters where she heard numerous accounts of the long-standing suffering experienced by Palestinians over many decades.
Rev. Dave Hardman with Archbishop Sarah Mullaly at St. George's guesthouse
Umm Al Khair Visit
MLO recently conducted a visit to Umm al Khair in South Hebron Hills. We are working with the village council to help alleviate the ongoing suffering of the community resulting from Israeli policies.
The critical situation faced by local herder families who are unable to access their historical grazing fields, due to Israeli Settler intimidation, was addressed. The head of the village council emphasized that there is an urgent need to provide hay bales for these families to sustain their livestock.
MLO staff with Hamed Qawasmeh and Khalil Hathaleen at Umm al Khair
King Charles' Birthday Reception
MLO attended an official reception hosted by The British Consul General in Jerusalem to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty, King Charles III in June 2026. The wonderful evening brought together local community leaders, religious figures, and diplomatic representatives.
British Consul General Helen Winterton, Orthodox Priest and Mr. Ghassan Mustaklem representing the High Presidential Committee of Churches
Wadi Foquin Visit
MLO recently visited Ata and his wife in Wadi Foquin, a Palestinian village located eight kilometers southwest of Bethlehem. During our visit, we observed first-hand how the village is being heavily impacted by the expansion of the neighboring settlements of Beitar Illit and Tzur Hadassah. This ongoing expansion involves land confiscations and the approval of hundreds of new housing units. These developments directly threaten the village's historic farming terraces and natural springs, which are vital to the community.
MLO staff with Ata Manasra on his own land at Wadi Foquin
MLO staff met with representatives of Friends of Wadi Foquin to learn more about the work they do to support the village and it's people. They organized an effort which led to a January 2026 letter from 76 Members of Congress addressing land annexation in Wadi Foquin, Taybeh, Al-Walaja, and Silwan. They held a follow up webinar, which includes a link to the letter mentioned above. If you would like to learn more about their work, please contact Rev. Michael Yoshii, Co-Chair, Friends of Wadi Foquin.
A Visit to HaMoked
MLO visited Hamoked, an Israel based human rights organization that provides free legal aid to Palestinians living under occupation and conducts strategic litigation and advocacy against Israel's violations. During our visit, they shared details regarding the significant increase in cases and the rising humanitarian needs they have encountered over the last three years. If you would like to support their work in providing free legal aid, click on HaMoked.
A Visit to Four Homes of Mercy
MLO recently visited the Four Homes of Mercy in Bethany, where new kitchen appliances were installed by funding from the UMC. Samar attended the opening of the Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinics in Al Eizariya. This project, funded and implemented by the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), established a dedicated daily care and rehabilitation center for children with disabilities.
Some of the new kitchen appliances funded by UMC
Prayer and Updates Continue
We continue to host our twice-monthly update and prayer meetings, which take place on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. These gatherings remain an important space for sharing information, reflection, and prayer together. Please note that during August we will not be holding these meetings. We begin again on 9 September. Thank you, as always, for your continued support, interest, and prayer for the work of the Methodist Liaison Office.
Dave and Samar
