Jerusalem synod meets in Jordan

This week Bishop John Bryson Chane of the Diocese of Washington, D.C., joined more than 100 members of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem in Amman, Jordan, for the annual Majma (synod) to review and administer the work of the Jerusalem diocese which covers five countries.

Chane, along with his wife Karen and other Episcopalians from the Washington diocese, joined Bishop Suheil Dawani, the clergy and leaders of the Jerusalem diocesan institutions at the meeting.

"This valued partnership continues to grow in mutual support on issues benefitting both dioceses, respecting each other's differences," according to a press release from the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

Chane spoke of the energy of the Majma and the faithful witness to Christ. "It is not about the size of the diocese. It is about what it does and what it offers to the rest of the church worldwide," he said.

The Majma began with an opening service held at St. Mary's, Irbid, a church that was consecrated in August. Discussions and business sessions continued for the following two days, interspersed with fellowship and devotions led by various members.

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem includes 27 parishes and supports 33 institutions throughout Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. The U.S. Episcopal Church continues to support the Jerusalem diocese through partnerships and companion diocese relationships. The Diocese of Washington entered into a three-year companion relationship with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem in January. The relationship will be in effect until January 2013, at which point both dioceses will evaluate whether or not to continue.

The institutions of the Jerusalem diocese include hospitals, clinics, kindergartens and schools, vocational training programs, as well as centers for the deaf, the disabled and the elderly.

"Supporting the Christian presence through local congregations and reaching out to neighbors in great need are diocesan priorities which are faithfully followed in spite of the many challenges in this region," the press release said.

During the Majma, Dawani honoured the service of long-standing members of the diocese, including Suhaila Tarazi from the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza and Farida Shatarh from the Home for the Elderly in Ashrafieh. Jamil Haddad also was honoured for his valued contribution to Irbid and the work there.

At the end of the Majma, Dawani "summed up by endorsing the spirit of unity he felt amongst the clergy despite working over the large area of five countries and often in difficult circumstances," the release said. "He encouraged all to be united as the Body of Christ as we seek to serve here in the Middle East."