Anglican Communion News Service

St George's College Jerusalem, one of the Anglican Communion's foremost continuing education centres, has appointed a new Dean. The college, which has run courses for clergy and laity from more than 92 countries since 1962, appointed Dr Stephen Need, who was formerly the college's director of studies, at the start of July.

Dr Need has had strong connections with the Holy Land and the college's work throughout his professional career. Initially bringing students from the UK's Chichester Theological College to St George's in the 1980s, he later became a senior lecturer and worked on many of its courses and curricula. He served as the college's director of studies between 1999 and 2001.

On accepting the position, Dr Need said that his main aim would be to consolidate and enhance St George's existing courses. "Numbers have dwindled in the last few years as a result of the deteriorating political situation," he said, adding that he was convinced that students would return. "The distinctive nature of the St George's courses - the balance between 'study trip' and 'pilgrimage' elements is as powerful as ever and I believe the college has a great deal to offer."

Dr Need will be starting at the college in the fall of 2005.

More information on St George's College can be found here