At the annual autumnal thanksgiving services in the Diocese of Jerusalem, all parishes were encouraged to think about ways in which they could contribute to the Communion Forest project, and at the Majma/Synod meeting in April, Archbishop Hosam Naoum was pleased to be able to report on progress to date.
The project was launched at Lambeth 2022, as an Anglican contribution to caring for creation, and helping sustain diverse life on earth. Dioceses and Institutions throughout the Communion were asked to plant areas with trees, bushes, flowers – anything that will grow – as a practical and symbolic act of hope.
The Archbishop has personally planted trees in Jerusalem, Salt and Acre, and was pleased to commend an ecumenical project at the Latin Patriarchate High School in Al Wassieh, southern Jordan. The school is situated about 130 kilometres from Amman near the village of Rabba. The area is mostly agricultural, hilly, with a dry Mediterranean climate resulting in poor economy.
On the initiative of Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Rev George Kopti, and in conjunction with School Chaplain Fr Salem, sixth form students planted a substantial area within the school curtilage.
Afterwards Fr George was able to talk to students about the importance of what they had done.