Jerusalem
and the Middle East
Church Association

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News

Mr John Pringle, Hon Treasurer of JEMT adds...

I am writing this at a time of unprecedented uncertainty and volatility in the world’s financial markets. It is difficult to see when any sense of normality will return. But fortunately, JMECA is long-established and plans for the long-term future, so we should be able to ride out the storms. Yes, our investment portfolio has seen a large fall in book value since the beginning of the year, but, as our policy is to make grants from the income we earn, we will not have to sell investments at these low market levels.

At their June meeting your Directors authorized grants of £230,000 for the year to 30th June. This is almost exactly the same sum as in the previous year. This was possible because income from our investments rose 19%, offsetting a fall in donations. A generous legacy of £10,500 was a significant contribution for which we are most grateful.

It is always a pleasure to report when we are able to respond quickly to special requests from our Dioceses. During 2008 we have so far helped fund a 3 year research project studying the effects of the displacement of Christians from Iraq, we have funded a degree course for one of our Clergy, and we have paid relocation expenses for a Locum at St Matthew’s Church, Addis Ababa.

Special Thanks...

Some of you may not know that a number of Parishes in the UK and also in Hong Kong, give their Good Friday offerings to JMECA. This year Hong Kong gave us £4161. What a wonderful boost for our funds - thank-you!

Could your Parish make a similar gesture? It would make a real difference.