Anglican Communion News Service

Jerusalem, 10 June 2001

St. George's College Jerusalem is opening its doors to students preparing for ordination in the Anglican tradition. With the endorsement of their Bishop, such students will be welcome to register for any course through the end of 2002 at a 50% savings, space permitting.

The College, a recognized continuing education Center of the Anglican Communion is one of 33 institutions sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The Very Revd Ross Jones, Dean, made the announcement in Jerusalem at the annual meeting of its Foundation. It was received with much enthusiasm by the Church leaders from the USA, England, Australia, and New Zealand.

Bishop Robin Smith of the Church of England said "As one who had my own Christian life and ministry transformed by participating in a course at St. George's in 1987, it is my conviction that all ordinands should have such an opportunity at the formative stage of their training." The Chair of the North American Regional Committee, The Revd Dr. Don White, said "The biblical stories simply come alive." The Rt. Revd David Coles, The Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand, and a member of the Foundation, said "I waited 20 years after my ordination before visiting the Holy Land. When I did, it transformed by preaching and my understanding of the Scriptures. To touch, see, feel the places where Jesus walked was life-changing for me. This opportunity for seminarians is one that must not be missed."

St. George's is a highly respected institution. A participant in a course that ended last Friday, The Revd Prue Chambers, Rector of St. Nicholas Anglican Church, Toronto, Canada, in her written evaluation, said "I am here taking the course The Bible and the Holy Land, fulfilling my dream and vision of ten years. What an enriching and worthwhile experience it is! I am thrilled to be here and feel nurtured and stimulated by the quality of the programme and the staff implementing it. Without doubt, this is the most rewarding educational opportunity of my life."

Seminarians should contact the Registrar of St. Georges (registrar@stgeorges.org.il) for information or check their website: www.stgeorgescollegejerusalem.org.

Anglican Bishop Riah Abu el Assal, speaking from St. Georges Cathedral, Jerusalem, said "Students seeking to enliven their faith, walk in the steps of our Lord, encounter the living stones, the people and the land, and engage in rare educational opportunities should take advantage of this programme."