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Dr Stephen Need, new Dean

On Sunday, 3rd July 2005, the installation of the new Dean of St George’s College in Jerusalem, Dr Stephen Need, was celebrated with a festive service under the auspices of Bishop Riah Abu El-Assal at St George’s Cathedral. Bishop Robin Smith from the United Kingdom, Bishop Allen Bartlett from the United States, and Bishop John Bayton from Australia were also present to bless the future ministry of the new Dean.

St George’s College is one of the Anglican Communion’s foremost continuing education centres, and has run courses for clergy and laity from more than 92 countries since 1962.

Bishop Riah welcomed Dr Stephen Need as a partner, and said that people were looking forward to receiving him as a ‘loyal friend, brother and steward of Christ who appreciates the other and shows sensitivity to the people of the Land of the Holy One’.

Aim is to consolidate and enhance

Dr Need has had strong connections with the Holy Land and the College’s work throughout his professional career. Initially bringing students from the UK’s Chichester Theological College to St George’s in the 1980s, he later became a senior lecturer and worked on many of its courses and curricula. He served as the College’s Director of Studies between 1999 and 2001.

On accepting the position, Dr Need said that his main aim would be to consolidate and enhance St George’s existing courses. “Numbers have dwindled in the last few years as a result of the deteriorating political situation,” he said. “The distinctive nature of the St George’s courses - the balance between ‘study trip’ and ‘pilgrimage’ elements - is as powerful as ever. I believe the College has a great deal to offer.”

Information on the Diocese of Jerusalem