THE Bishop of Durham is to lead a pilgrimage following the route of the Exodus.

Having led a successful pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2000, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull now plans to retrace the path taken by Moses, leading the Hebrews from enslavement in Egypt to the Promised Land.

The 40-year flight of the Hebrews will be followed in a fortnight journey in January, using an air-conditioned coach from the modern Egyptian capital Cairo to Jerusalem.

En route, members of the Durham diocesan pilgrimage will take in the pyramids of Giza, St Catherine's Mon-astery at the foot of Mount Sinai, where the Old Testament says Moses received the Ten Commandments, the Red Sea crossing to Aqaba, in Jordan, and the rose red city of Petra.

Stops within the Holy Land itself include the site of the baptism of Jesus, by the river Jordan, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Church of the Loaves and Fishes, the Mount of Olives, and the old city of Jerusalem.

The final day takes in the site of the resurrection where Jesus is said to have revealed himself to his disciples.

However, the itinerary may be changed because of the political situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Would-be travellers are assured the pilgrimage will not visit any area deemed unsafe by either local security forces or the Foreign Office.

Bishop Michael said he believes pilgrimaged of this sort were still worthwhile as "journeys of faith and discovery".

"An experience of this kind is something that lasts for life," he said.

"I believe we owe it to Christians who find themselves in a minority to have visits from Britain, which will bring them encouragement and the assurance of our prayers."

He said that retracing the steps taken by the Hebrews from bondage in Egypt was "a powerful parable" for the modern Church.

The tour, from January 20 to February 1, 2003, costs £1,249 and includes return schedule flights from Newcastle, via Heathrow, to Cairo and from Tel Aviv.

Details are available from the Reverend Dominic Barrington, on 0191-374 3374.