The Primate of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, Archbishop Hosam Naoum, has spoken with bishops of the Anglican Communion about the humanitarian crisis in the Holy Land. In a new series of online meetings of bishops run by the Anglican Communion Office entitled ‘Bishops in Conversation’, the update took place online on March 18.
Since the attacks by Hamas and retaliation from Israel, the humanitarian situation in the Holy Land is desperate. Archbishop Hosam was the main speaker in the meeting, which focused on sharing how the Diocese of Jerusalem is responding and how bishops around the world can help their churches to pray and support the situation.
During the meeting, Archbishop Hosam urged his fellow-bishops to keep on speaking out for peace and reconciliation, and to hold together in their prayers both Palestinians and Israelis “so that they cannot be divided even in our prayers”.
Questions and answers, led by Bishop Danald Jute of Kuching (S.E. Asia) and Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani (Chelmsford, England and formerly Iran), ranged from the personal pressures of leading in a time of crisis to the practical ways in which others around the world can support.
The Diocese of Jerusalem is playing a vital role in working for peace and responding to humanitarian needs in the region. In October 2023, Archbishop Hosam and other Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem were joined by The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who conducted a pastoral visit to Jerusalem. In November 2023, Archbishop Hosam addressed the Synod of the Church of England and wider world, on live stream, saying: “Here in the Holy Land we need the language of peace and reconciliation more than ever.”
The meeting, the first in the series of ‘Bishops in Conversation’, will offer online meetings for bishops on relevant topics for our times. From exploring current affairs to sharing theological input, from discussing experiences of church life and ministry to studying the Bible and praying for one another – the series will provide a space for bishops in leading, listening and learning together. The hope is that bishops will support one another in their ministry and build friendships cross-provincially.
Bishop for Episcopal Ministry in the Anglican Communion and Deputy Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Jo Bailey Wells, said: “At the Anglican Communion Office, we work to strengthen and support the life of the Anglican Communion. The role of bishops is vital in leading and serving the mission of churches around the world. Through the continuing journey of the Lambeth Conference and other opportunities for connection, we want to provide a space where bishops can meet as peers and share matters of mutual concern – at both global and local levels – offering one another friendship and fellowship.”
Find out more about the situation in the Holy Land and how you can support, here.