The Media

At home, I'd been working for the Privy Council Office as a media analyst so I was (embarassingly) excited when Fr. Bob invited me to sit on an interview with two Dutch journalists.

Some of the questions revolved around:

* the Christian presence in the Holy Land, which is quickly diminishing (less than 2%). Fr. Bob discussed Bishop Suheil's preference for a more pastoral than political response, namely in his desire to continue encouraging indigenous Christians to remain in the region. Bishop Suheil is less likely to burn political bridges than to try to reinforce or rebuild as needed, and to work with the civil authorities as an ambassador on behalf of Christians. It is through this means that the diocese can continue supporting and providing supplies to organizations, hospitals and schools.
* Why Bishop Suheil did not sign the recent Kairos document. Fr. Bob explained that only the people who write a document sign it. Bishop Suheil joined his ecumenical partners (heads of Christina churches) in "endorsing" the document, which he believes adds to the strength of the religious community speaking with one, unified voice.
* As we would discuss of our parishes at home, questions about demographics of the parish were raised: the population of the two congregations at the Cathedral, the aging population, the tansient nature of parishioners in the English congregation... Fr. Bob noted that Bishop Suheil is trying to bridge the gap between young families fleeing the region. The difficulty in an Arab country, in which Sunday is a work day, was also raised.
* The demographics of the school followed, with note that while the schools are Anglican-run, the majority of students are Muslim. In Jerusalem, there are 600 elementary students in the diocesan-led school and 300 high schoolers (note the difference!), with only about 60 to 70 of those students being Christian. The emphasis is not on evangelism or conversion, but co-operation, mutual respect and appreication for other's faiths and culture. The students focus on the aspects they share, rather than those that differentiate them.
* Of Christian Zionists, Fr. Bob called them an "enigma," adding indigenous Christians do not understand why they would be in support of policy that has a negative affect on Christians living here.
* Of attempts to foster peace and reconciliation, Fr. Bob noted it is referred to "the Peace". He noted the heads of the churches are respectful despite sometimes heated converstations. They are learning the Council of Religious Institutions of the Holy Land is a place of trust and are starting to be more honest with each other. Fr. Bob acknowledged reconciliation and forgiveness is key, which is extremely difficult among such brokeness.

In addition to stressing the need for indigenous Christians to remain in the region, when asked what his final  message to Western Europe was, Fr. Bob called for prayers for the political circumstances of the region and the promotion of a just peace, for people to come visit, witness and return to share what they learn and how they have been moved, and (obviously) for ongoing funding to assist in the ministry of the diocese.