Jerusalem
and the Middle East
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Introducing:

Last Year...

Last year, the Diocese of Tokyo invited twenty five women from Jerusalem Diocese to participate in a joint conference under the title “Together We Can Make the Difference”.

This Conference was held at the Theodore Schneller School Guest House, one of the diocesan institutions in Jordan. The participants enjoyed worshipping together in each other’s languages, in prayer, song and bible studies, and sharing stories reflecting both cultures. The common issues and the differences were shared. The Japanese guests saw some of the struggles of the region by visiting a refugee camp and they were introduced to the diocesan Faith in Action work through some of the institutions and congregations. One of the high points of the Conference for the delegates was a visit to Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal who remains very supportive of all the work.

March '09 Diocesan Women Meet in Jericho

A group of 150 women – and their clergy -- from Palestinian and Israeli parishes met in Jericho to prepare for empowerment workshops and the Second Anglican Women’s Conference in October. Mrs. Suheil Dawani, wife of the bishop, spoke of the importance of strengthening the relationship between women in the diocese and the central committee. “As we get ready for the Second Anglican Women’s conference in October, we need to think about ways to activate and empower the role of women in our church and in civil society,” she said. “We need to strengthen our ties and relationships, because we can accomplish so much more with one, united voice.”

L to R: Faten Saadeh, Rodaina Dagher, Revd Ibrahim Nairoz, Wedad Sudah, Shafeeqa Dawani

The programme started at 10 a.m. with Morning Prayer prepared by the women and a short meditation presented by Rev. Ibrahim Nairouz, the women’s consultant for the diocese. Rev. Fuad Dagher and Rev. Hosam Naoum led the women and clergy in musical making. Bishop Suheil, on his way back from Jordan, visited the gathering and emphasized his support for the important work of the women’s group.

“The work you are doing is of vital important to our diocese,” said the Bishop. “We need your talents, your commitment, your voice and your dedication to help us continue the strong presence of our church and face the tremendous challenges in this region.”

April '09 First Ecumenical Women's Meeting

The Diocese of Jerusalem held its first Ecumenical Women’s Meeting at St. George’s Cathedral, hosting 40 women from different churches committed to enhancing the ministry of the diocese.

Mrs Dawani, centre

Mrs. Shafeeqa Dawani, had encouraged numerous women’s regional gatherings focusing on the empowerment of women. She believes that the personal enrichment, friendships, and spiritual growth that result from these meetings are important to maintaining a vital, lively and active diocese.

“We have so many talented women in our region,” said Mrs. Dawani. “Together and individually, we have many gifts to share. Working as a team, we can make great strides in improving family life and civil society.” Mrs. Dawani also has included women members of the diocese’s English-speaking congregation in her outreach efforts. “As women, working together, we are strengthened for our mutual benefit.” she said.

Plans are well underway for the second bi-annual Conference focused on empowering the women of the Diocese to be held in Amman in October 2009.