Jerusalem
and the Middle East
Church Association

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Introducing the Diocese

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, a diocese of the worldwide Anglican Communion, extends over five countries--Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel. It has 27 parishes that minister to the needs of their communities, centered on the Cathedral Church of St. George the Martyr in Jerusalem. The Church supports 33 institutions in the diocese, which include hospitals, clinics, kindergartens and schools, vocational training programmes, as well as institutions for the deaf, the disabled and the elderly, reaching out to interfaith neighbours in mutual respect and cooperation.

Deepening ties Worldwide
Bishop Suheil hosts Ramadan celebration

Bishop Suheil Dawani hosted Mr. Ali Ayed, the Jordanian Ambassador to Israel and Sheik Azam Khattib, head of the local Islamic Waqf at an iftar held in their honour at the St. George’s Cathedral Guest House.

This was part of the Bishop’s policy of solidarity and good relations between faith communities in his diocese. Each day during the month of the Islamic Ramadan, Muslims abstain from all food, drink and smoking during the day, humbly focusing on purifying body and soul. The evening dinner (iftar) breaks the daily fast for the Muslim community during this holy month.

Bishop Suheil warmly welcomed the Ambassador and the Sheik, among a variety of other local Muslim leaders who were joined by the leadership of the Arab-speaking congregation at the Cathedral. Both the Ambassador and the Sheik shared their perspectives on the importance of the holy city of Jerusalem and the current political situation.

Sharing in this special occasion were diocesan clergy, the headmaster of St. George’s School, and men of the Arabic speaking congregation at the Cathedral. The event was well-received by all involved and stresses the importance of the Christian minority amidst the Muslim majority in this region. The dinner also emphasised the cordial relations of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.