"The Palestinian question is one of the biggest 'elephants in the room' in the context of Lebanon today - an incredibly complex and sensitive issue which most people simply don't want to talk about. So it's extremely courageous and far-sighted for the Middle East Conference to address this issue this year. As well as visiting the camps, seeing the situation on the ground and meeting Palestinians, it will be important to understand the roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and all that has happened in the region since 1948 - and is happening at the present time in the Arab Spring. All of this will need to be informed by serious biblical study and theological reflection. Hopefully this conference will not just be a 'talking shop', but will lead to real changes of attitudes and practical action to meet a desperate need on our doorstep."
