The news of the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre is symbolic of the important practical social outreach, often pioneering, of the Diocese of Jerusalem through its thirty-three schools and medical and other centres. It is through such ministry, which can also be found in the social enterprises in the Diocese of Egypt to which JMECA Trustee Dr Matthew Rhodes refers in his article, that effective engagement and witness takes place, emphasising that the Christian community has a significant role in wider society. And it is for his role in interfaith developments over many years with the Muslim Community and with the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt that Bishop Mouneer received recognition with an award from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
We don’t often hear about the Anglican presence in Libya, so it is particularly good to have a two-page spread on the ministry of the Church of Christ the King in Tripoli. As a matter of interest, the Chairman of JMECA, the Revd Huw Thomas, has been interim chaplain at Holy Trinity, Algiers since October last year and has been much encouraged by his time there. We may have more news in a future issue.
The report and Bishop Michael’s Presidential Address from the Synod of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf lays out a vision for the congregations of numerically the largest diocese in the region with an emphasis on positive interfaith relations with the Muslim community as a key element.
Visits to the region are important and can provide varied perspectives. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the USA was in Jerusalem for Holy Week. Dr Clare Amos, a JMECA Trustee, has been a frequent visitor with long experience of the region, particularly Jerusalem, so her report on three recent visits is particularly valuable. JMECA also makes grants for ordinands to study at St George’s College and welcomes the reports that students such as Phil Nightingale provide. John Wilkinson who died earlier this year was a most influential figure in the story of St George’s College and his contribution is well recognised in a full obituary.
The Diocese of Iran remains one of the most isolated in the Anglican Communion, but its new Vicar-General has arrived to settle in the country and provide oversight for the three congregations.
Highlights:
Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre: A two-part article covering the background and work of this well-known Jerusalem institution.
Church of Christ the King, Tripoli
Cyprus Synod: Report on the annual Synod of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf which took place in Larnaca from 5th – 9th February
Obituary: John Wilkinson
Copies of past editions are available from the JMECA Secretary.
