Jerusalem
and the Middle East
Church Association

Editorial

News

Financial News

Financial details

Obituaries

Richard Owens, Chairman of the Jerusalem and the East Mission Trust Limited, writes:

Major new projects need funding

The overall improvement in market conditions over the last financial year has been reflected in a modest improvement in investment income. However we have not been as fortunate as in the previous year in the legacies we have received, and perhaps of greater concern, is the decrease in general donations, 17.5% lower than last year. Total income received dropped by a similar percentage.

The requirement for funding within the Province remains as active as ever, with major projects in Egypt, in particular the Harpur Community Centre, Sadat City, and the new Alexandria School of Theology, continuing needs in Jerusalem for support throughout the Diocese, and new requirements in Iran as Bishop Azad Marshall provides support and direction for the future.

The policy of the Directors of the Jerusalem and the East Mission Trust has been, and remains, to maintain the asset base of the funds under management on an ongoing basis. With investment income likely to increase, at best, modestly, we rely very significantly on donations and legacies to provide the financial support needed within the Province. As many readers will now have access to the internet, I would encourage you to visit our website: www.jmeca.org.uk and from there link to the excellent Diocesan sites that give graphic details of where funds are really needed. These illustrate not only the work of the churches in each area, but the extent of the Province’s requirements, from funds for medicines in the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza to the provision of security for St George’s, Baghdad.

The funding made possible through JMECA does have a real and positive benefit in the Province and the generosity of readers remains of very significant importance.