The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, delivered a Christmas Day sermon at York Minster highlighting the growing fear and suspicion people have towards each other, especially strangers. Drawing on his recent visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank, he recounted being stopped at checkpoints and intimidated by militias, which underscored the divisions and barriers present in society. He shared a symbolic olive wood nativity scene from Bethlehem, depicting a wall blocking the three kings, as a metaphor for the obstacles that separate people both physically and emotionally. The archbishop urged reflection on the walls built within communities and hearts, warning that such fearfulness risks preventing people from welcoming others in need.