The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev’d Sarah Mullally has agreed to become Patron of JMECA.
The Chair of JMECA, the Rev’d David Longe said, “I am delighted that Archbishop Sarah has kindly agreed to be JMECA's patron, carrying on the long-standing tradition of Archbishops of Canterbury being patrons of JMECA. Her passion and interest in the Middle East are evident and align with JMECA's dedication to serve the Provinces of Alexandria and Jerusalem and the Middle East.”
This passion was evidenced by Archbishop Sarah’s accepting an invitation from Archbishop Hosam to join him in a pilgrimage to the Holy Land as the first overseas trip that she made after her appointment as Archbishop.
As she began her pilgrimage in the Holy Land, Archbishop Sarah said, “I bring with me the prayers and solidarity of the Church of England and Anglican Communion – and the assurance that Christians in Palestine and Israel are not forgotten."
Archbishop Hosam said, "Having Archbishop Sarah alongside us strengthens our spirits as we navigate our daily challenges. We look forward to introducing her to the vibrant local clergy and parishes, as well as to the tireless ecumenical and interfaith groups who labour every day toward a future of true justice, peace, and mutual respect for all people in this land as a major component of our witness in Christ.”
One of the Dioceses that JMECA serves is Cyprus and the Gulf, which has an active partnership with the Diocese of Exeter in which the then Bishop Sarah served as Bishop of Crediton, so she has familiarity with parts of the JMECA family beyond the Diocese of Jerusalem. Archbishop Sarah recently met Bishop Sean (Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf) to discuss the situation in his Diocese which has been a focus of the American-Iran war.
Archbishop Sarah said “The Jerusalem and Middle East Church Association is a lifeline for Anglican churches across Jerusalem, the Middle East and North Africa. Through financial support to the dioceses, JMECA has provided stability to the Church in a region so often marked by conflict. This funding, and JMECA’s history of faithful prayer, has brought flourishing to communities across the Middle East and NorthAfrica. Their work is even more necessary today. I am grateful for JMECA’s near 140 years of service and am delighted to serve as their patron.”