The Jerusalem and East Church Association (JMECA) has created a new communications post to spread the news from the two Anglican/Episcopal Provinces in the Middle East more widely.
JMECA is a well-established Anglican support group, based in the UK that supports the work of Anglican Churches in the Middle East and North Africa. The region that includes the Holy Lands of Israel and Palestine, the wider eastern Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf as well as much of North Africa and the Horn of Africa has plenty of stories to tell, which many in the UK are unaware of. The stories are wide ranging as are the dioceses; in the lands of the Levant and Egypt they are stories about schools, hospitals, clinics, hospitality and generosity of all kinds. In places like Ethiopia and Chad, where the churches are growing at pace, there are human stories about escaping conflict, finding safety and a new home. In the Gulf where church congregations are counted in hundreds there are new examples of how diversity can maintain the traditions of Pentecost.
I am delighted with this new appointment. I think there is a real hunger across the UK and Ireland for reliable news and features about the churches’ work in one of the most exciting regions of Christian endeavour.
Chair of JMECA, Bishop Anthony Ball
The first post-holder to take on the challenge is Rev Dr John Holdsworth, it was announced this week. John was formerly Executive Archdeacon in the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, where he moved from a varied ministry in Wales. That included substantial broadcasting experience as well as work with print-based church media.
Reacting to the appointment, John Holdsworth said
“This is a new and exciting challenge for me. I love telling stories, and I know there are some incredible stories to tell.”
Posted: 04/04/2023