Jerusalem
and the Middle East
Church Association

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Treasurer's notes

News

Introducing:

Pentecost 2009 Chairman's comment Mr. John Clark, Chariman of the Trust, has been looking through the Association’s archives, housed at St. Antony’s College Oxford…

“The Mission was established by Bishop Blyth in 1887 the first Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem to develop the work of the Diocese of Jerusalem which covered the whole Middle East. From his diocese the four dioceses of today’s Province and the Province of the Sudan have emerged. Just looking at the subjects of the 127 boxes of files was to be movingly reminded of the changing role of the Mission over the decades with its many connections to the churches, schools, hospitals and other forms of Christian presence and witness established by the Anglican Churches throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

Today JMECA continues that work of support for the Province and its four dioceses. We are no longer involved in the recruitment and sending of people, or the running of Institutions. That has rightly been taken on by the local church in each place – but we continue to provide substantial financial support through a number of trust funds for specific purposes and through general donations from you, the supporters. The treasurer’s note explains how the funds are distributed.

The Association’s Committee, drawn from people with experience of the church, business and diplomatic world of the Middle East, meets four times a year to attend to the Association’s affairs and once a year the full meeting of representatives of the Association. Mary Knight, the hard-working Secretary of JMECA, maintains regular email contact with the diocesan offices of the Province and keeps a precise record of the use of the Association’s finances. Through Bible Lands our Honorary Editor Canon Tim Biles, shares information, news and issues as widely as possible.

In this way the work of the Association to support the Anglican Church in the Middle East is taken forward today. And at this season of Pentecost we pray that the Holy Spirit may continue to inspire and lead the Church and this Association in their ministries and witness.