Anglican Communion News Service

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd George L Carey, will chair the regular meeting of the Primates (Chief Archbishops, Bishops) of the Anglican Communion from 9-17 March at St George's College and Cathedral, Jerusalem. The meeting will focus on the themes of the forthcoming Lambeth Conference 1998 as well as taking the opportunity to learn and experience more of the situation in the Middle East. Visits to top leaders of Israel and Palestine are planned as well as a two major liturgical events in the historic St George's Cathedral.

The meeting is being hosted by the Province of the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East and the Diocese of Jerusalem. The Province has a new Primate, the Most Revd Ghais Malik, Bishop of Egypt, who succeeds the Rt Revd Samir Kafity, the host bishop, who will serve as chaplain for the meeting. There will be a Diocesan Eucharistic Celebration on March 16 with the Archbishop of Canterbury as the principal celebrant and the Primate of the Episcopal Church USA, the Most Revd Edmond L Browning, preaching. This is a key point in the meeting enabling the Primates to meet the indigenous Christian community. An Evensong service will welcome ecumenical guests from all the Christian denominations represented in Jerusalem at which the Archbishop of Canterbury will deliver the sermon.

As an act of Lenten devotion, the Primates will do the traditional Stations of the Cross (The Via Dolorosa) on Saturday.

The meeting will be staffed by the London Anglican Communion Secretariat, assisted by Lambeth Palace staff, with the Revd Canon John L. Peterson as Secretary. The Revd Canon Andrew Deuchar, Secretary for Anglican Communion Affairs for the Archbishop of Canterbury will also be present.

The Primates Meeting is closed but there will be photocalls throughout the week and a possible closing press conference or statement. A press office will be in operation in Jerusalem or enquiries can be made through the London office.

A meeting of the Inter Anglican Finance Committee and the Standing Committees of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) will take place prior to the Primates Meeting.