“Accompany Israeli and Palestinian leaders with courage and patience in a direction that will give their people cause for hope,” World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia says today in a letter to members of the UN Security Council’s “Middle East Quartet”. letter comes at “a critical juncture in the Israeli-Palestinian … [Read more…]
There have been “forbidden roads” for a long time now – within Palestinian land – that Palestinians are not allowed to drive on. They are by-pass roads for Israeli settlers only. Now a new military order prohibits Palestinians living in the West Bank from entering Israeli via any route other than one of the 11 … [Read more…]
Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga visited the Holy Land recently, and stopped in on Redeemer Lutheran Church and the ELCJHL on Monday, Feb. 20. The Rev. Russ Siler, pastor of the English-speaking congregation at Redeemer Church, welcomed the President’s delegation in the absence of Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, and gave an explanation of the history of … [Read more…]
The Cartoon Controversy has swept the world with still-mounting deaths and uncontained violence. Bishop Younan continues to speak for calm and reconciliation, as in his recent public statement. Controversy also continues within Palestine and Israel over the forming of the new Hamas governement and what it will mean for funds and aid to the Palestinians … [Read more…]
Mutual Recognition of Evangelical Middle East Churches From the east and from the west around the Holy Land, they gathered in Amman in January of 2006 for an historical occasion. Evangelicals from Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Iran, Algeria and Tunisia signed together “The Amman Declaration Agreement of Full Mutual Recognition of Lutheran and … [Read more…]
Christians of all brands and flavors gathered at one another’s churches in Jerusalem to pray for the unity of the Christian church. In a city that has one of the most diverse Christian populations in the world, Jerusalem Christians illustrated that true unity can be strengthened through diversity when common mission is the priority. Prayer, … [Read more…]
Congratulations to our New Synod President – Rev. Sani Ibrahim Azar – and to All Newly Elected Leaders! Here are the complete results of the ELCJHL Synod elections held Jan. 20th for the 11th legislative period: Synod – The Legislative Body Synod President:Rev. Sani Ibrahim Azar Synod Vice President: Mr. Saliba Zeidan Synod Secretary: Leena … [Read more…]
The new Coadjutor Bishop of the Anglican Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem was consecrated on the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th at St. George’s Cathedral. Bishop Riah Abu El Assal presided at the consecration service for the new bishop, the Rt. Rev. Suheil Salman Dawani. They will lead the church together until Bishop Riah … [Read more…]
ELCJHL pastors gathered with their families in Aqaba, Jordan, for a retreat to begin the New Year. It was a rare opportunity to be together in fellowship, prayer and study. They focused on: No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I … [Read more…]
The usual exchange of Christmas greetings took place this year with visits to the three Patriarchates by heads of churches and their delegations. The visit of the Latin Patriarch always takes place first in December. The Greek Orthodox Christmas is next, as it comes on the Western churches’ Feast of Epiphany. The Armenian Christmas occurs … [Read more…]