Anglican Communion News Service

Jerusalem, 9 June 2001

The Dean of St George's College Jerusalem has announced the formation of a new course for July, 2002.

ABRAHAM YESTERDAY AND TODAY, Interfaith Heritage and The Holy Land, has been slated in the college programme in response to the often requested plea for interfaith educational opportunities and encounter under the direction of the College, an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

The Very Revd Ross Jones, Dean, said, "This new course at St. George's College has a particular focus and will not take participants to all the major holy sites in Israel and Palestine. It will visit only major relevant sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth. The course will be ideal for those who have already visited the Holy Land before and now wish to find out more about the relations between the three main faiths there. Course participants will need some background knowledge of the three faiths, their texts and relations before they arrive."

The June 2001 meeting of the college Foundation gave enthusiastic support to this new venture.

This course will focus on the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, their theologies, histories, relations, and common heritage in the Holy Land. The course will cover aspects of the following elements in the theology of the three traditions: Israel; Covenant; Election; Promise; and Faith; and will focus on convergence and divergence in the relations between the three religions. Particular texts relating to Abraham from the Hebrew Bible, New Testament and Quran will be studied. The beliefs of each religion about major theological concepts will be discussed: e.g., Creation; Incarnation; and Revelation. In relation to these areas, the beliefs of the three religions about God; People; Land; and Holy Books will be studied. A consideration of the practical sides of the three faiths will form a part of this course: plans include visits to synagogues, churches and mosques. Visiting lecturers from the three faiths will speak on their traditions and lives.

St George's College is committed to adult education and faith formation. This course will provide opportunities for course participants to hear expert lecturers; participate in open discussion and debate at different levels; visit some of the holy places of the three faiths; and use the St. George's College library in Jerusalem. Course members will be encouraged to make connections with their own faith commitments and to link their experience in the Holy Land with their lives back home.

For details on the Course or College check their webpage at www.stgeogescollegejerusalem.org or write registrar@stgeorges.org.il.