Anglican Communion News Service

15 May 2002 at 1pm

St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square

Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem to preside

The British Regional Committee (BRC) of St George's College, Jerusalem, will sponsor a Service of Witness and Solidarity with the beleaguered Christian community and those who are suffering in the Holy Land on Wednesday 15 May at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square. The Choral Eucharist begins at 1pm and will be followed by a procession of witness.

Anglican Bishop Robin Smith, chairman of the BRC, will preach at the Eucharist with Bishop Riah Abu El-Assal of Jerusalem presiding. Christians of various denominations will be invited to be present.

Bishop Smith, a frequent pilgrim to Jerusalem, said the situation for Christians is "appalling". Canon John L. Peterson, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, and former Dean of St George's College agreed with the BRC chairman saying, "The fact that the Church of the Holy Nativity, one of Christianity's most holy sites, is under siege is indeed appalling. It is of vital importance for Christians around the world to raise their voice of concern. Our brother and sister Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land feel abandoned. They need our voice. They need our hand."

Father Andreas Loewe, who hopes to be part of a theological conference in Jerusalem later in the year, said that he hoped that many people of goodwill would join him on May 15. He added, "St George's College is a continuing education and pilgrimage centre of the Anglican Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. It is facing traumatic consequences as the result of the conflict and the massive reduction of pilgrims coming to Jerusalem."

All are encouraged to attend the service. For additional information contact:

Matthew Davies on 020 7620 1110 / 07855 750 330 or
Fr Andreas Loewe on 01753 694083

PRESS AND MEDIA most welcome.