07.03.2018
Dublin & Glendalough to Pray for Jerusalem on Mothering Sunday
Parishioners across Dublin & Glendalough will be praying in solidarity with the people of Jerusalem this Mothering Sunday (March 11). The city of Jerusalem and its Christian population are currently experiencing a time of unprecedented distress in the modern era and Archbishop Michael Jackson has made material for prayer available to every parish in the United Dioceses.
Dublin & Glendalough has a partnership link with the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem and the prayers are intended to deepen the connection between Jerusalem as the place of Pentecost and the birthplace of the Christian Church. The material has also been shared for use across the Diocese of Jerusalem.
In recent weeks a legal ruling has made it possible for the Mayor of Jerusalem to claim revenue through retrospective taxation of the Christian communities for their operations in the city that are not strictly based in worship. While this has not been implemented, it hangs as a threat over these communities.
“The enterprises of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem are such that a range of public services makes possible the funding of the outreach to the whole population particularly in healthcare and education,” Archbishop Jackson explained.
The Princess Basma Centre in Jerusalem cares for children with disabilities from as far away as Gaza City. It is a school that integrates children of mixed ability. It also has an outstanding workshop for people with disabilities. Regarding other schools, in Jerusalem alone there is the flourishing St George’s School right beside the cathedral where children from Jewish, Muslim and Christian backgrounds learn together. Kids for Peace was founded by Archbishop Suheil. Both dioceses now share The Come&C Project as an expression of The Five Marks of Mission: Tell, Teach, Tend, Transform, Treasure.
“Although there is currently a stay of execution on the implementation of the ruling, the situation is tense for a community that is now 1% of the population. We in Dublin & Glendalough are in a partner relationship with the Diocese of Jerusalem. On Mothering Sunday we will pray for the wellbeing of our sisters and brothers, the Living Stones of the Land of The Holy One, in Jerusalem and across Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and Palestine,” the Archbishop said.
