Bethlehem: No room at the inn

Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus and as Christmas approaches our thoughts instinctively turn to this small town in the Holy Land where the Christian message began. But what is the situation like for Christians living nowadays in Bethlehem where there are severe restrictions on movement owing to Israel's security barrier which has effectively cut off easy access to the neighbouring city of Jerusalem.

Brother Peter Bray is the Vice Chancellor at Bethlehem University, a Catholic institution of higher learning, open to students of all faith traditions. He told Susy Hodges that despite the difficult economic situation there are signs of hope. One encouraging sign is that pilgrims from across the world are flocking to Bethlehem in large numbers this year to attend the Christian celebrations there and all the town's hotels are full.

Listen to the full interview by Susy Hodges with Brother Peter Bray of Bethlehem University: