16.07.2025
“We are battered and bruised, but not defeated”: The Archbishop of Jerusalem addresses the Church of England General Synod
From the Anglican Communion News Service, a report of Archbishop Hosam Naoum’s address to the Church of England’s General Synod meeting in York this week. Archbishop Hosam is archbishop of Dublin and Glendalough’s partner Diocese of Jerusalem.
To heartfelt applause, the Most Revd Hosam Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and Primate of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, addressed the General Synod of the Church of England on July 15th.
As a guest speaker at the General Synod in York, Archbishop Hosam shared his vision for the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East and gave thanks for those who have prayed for and supported them in times of difficulty.
Archbishop Hosam reflected on the mission of the province, stating that “the diocese extends into five countries” and supports “hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centres and guest houses” in that region. “These are our arms of ministry in which we show God’s faith, or our faith in God, through action and ministry of reaching out to those who are disadvantaged, healing the sick and teaching reconciliation with peace and justice, welcoming pilgrims and offering hope; these are at the heart of our ministry”.
He gave thanks “for prayers and support for Ahli Hospital in Gaza, the only Christian hospital” in the region. This historic hospital has been attacked multiple times during the war and recently suffered damage to its emergency department when it was bombed on Palm Sunday.
Bishop Hosam shared that “Despite these incredible hardships, which have also included unjust detention of some of our staff and destruction of their homes, and also two days ago, one of our surgeons in the hospital has been killed on his way home from the hospital, the hospital has shown remarkable resilience as we continue to be committed to the healing ministry within Gaza.
“I’m grateful for the House of Bishops’ statements that have been taking our story as Christians in the Middle East and especially in Jerusalem, very seriously.”
Archbishop Hosam spoke of his desire for peace in the region, for the humanitarian aid system to be reformed and for an end to acts which oppose the Geneva Conventions. He stated that, “Medical supplies are in short supply. The food distribution system is horrifying, with three sites open one hour a day for two million people.” Highlighting the horror of the humanitarian aid restrictions in Gaza, he observed, “It looks to me like Hunger Games.
“Advocacy is urgently needed for Israel’s adherence to the Geneva Conventions, as its current practices are unacceptable.” He called for “no bombing of hospitals, lifting of the siege, restoration of humanitarian supplies, including food and medicine, under UN supervision, no targeting of civilians, especially emergency workers and medical staff and the release of all hostages and captives.”
The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York in the Church of England, led a prayer for Archbishop Hossam at the conclusion of his address. “Father, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We thank God for the faithfulness, friendship and ministry of our dear brother Hosam. We cry out to you for peace and justice in our world and especially in Israel, Palestine, in Gaza and in that whole region. We ask for the leading of your spirit, for the peace of your world. We ask this in Jesus’ name.”
Targeting medical, emergency and humanitarian personnel and services have frequently been observed during the conflict in Gaza. Israel points to Hamas’s use of some healthcare facilities as military centres to justify its attacks in line with international law, which prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure unless it has been militarised. The Anglican–run Al Ahli hospital has disputed the claim it was used as a command centre before one recent attack and is yet to see evidence to substantiate these claims.
The Revd Don Binder, Chaplain to the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem at The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem stated the attack on the surgeon, Dr Ahmad Kandi, was “a targeted drone strike” and called for an immediate “end to these targeted assaults against medical staff and to hold accountable those who violate the special protected status that such healthcare professionals used to enjoy under international law”.
In response to the recent death, the Director of the Al Ahli hospital shared that the news of Dr Ahmad Kandi’s tragic death was “heartbreaking”. She went on to say, “I am deeply shocked and saddened. Dr Ahmad was not only a colleague but a true humanitarian, dedicated, courageous and selfless in his service to others.
“His loss is not only a wound to those who knew and loved him, but also to the entire medical and human community he served with such integrity and compassion. May his soul rest in peace.”
Embrace the Middle East, a Christian charity tackling poverty and injustice in the Middle East, described Dr Ahmad as “one of Gaza’s most experienced surgeons”. They stated that he “was killed by Israeli forces as he was returning home from a surgical shift at the hospital.
“As we grieve the death of Dr Ahmad, we call once again for the protection of medical staff and institutions, and for international leaders to push for an immediate ceasefire.”
You can watch the Archbishop’s address to the Church of England General Synod here: