In his Good Friday letter, Presiding Bishop Curry asks each Bishop and congregation to consider providing assistance for the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

First gathered in 1922, the initial Good Friday Offering was an intentional response of The Episcopal Church to support Anglican ministries in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East that were impacted by the devastation of World War I, the Spanish flu pandemic, and social and political unrest affecting Armenian Christians, among others throughout that region.

A lifeline of hope in times of genuine need in years past, the Good Friday Offering continues to support churches, medical programs and schools today.

In his 2021 letter, Bishop Curry writes, “This prior era a century ago reminds us that ours is not the only time in which forces beyond our control affect the lives of God’s people.  We are all aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected virtually every person on the planet in one way or another. . . “

“I am sorely aware of the needs of our own families, churches and communities in this most difficult time.  For those who are able to give, the Good Friday Offering is a reminder for our Anglican brothers and sisters in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East that The Episcopal Church stands in solidarity with them in Jesus’ Name.”

Due to the variety of ways we find ourselves gathering to worship together, gifts can now be made online or via text giving in addition to mail. Information, including bulletin covers, inserts, and more, is available online here.

For more information, contact the Rev. Canon Robert Edmunds, Episcopal Church Middle East Partnership Officer.

The Presiding Bishop’s letter:

_______________________________________________________

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

The Good Friday Offering was first gathered in 1922 as an intentional response by the Episcopal Church to the devastations of World War I, the Spanish flu pandemic and political and social unrest affecting Armenian Christians, among others throughout the Middle East.  This effort to establish strong relationships with indigenous Christians in the Holy Land continues to bear fruit.

This prior era a century ago reminds us that ours is not the only time in which forces beyond our control affect the lives of God’s people.  We are all aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected virtually every person on the planet in one way or another.  Economists and medical professionals suggest that recovery from the pandemic’s impact will take years.

The churches, schools and medical programs sponsored by our Anglican sisters and brothers in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East have been, as is no surprise, sorely affected.  The Good Friday Offering has been a lifeline of hope in times of genuine need in times past and continues today.

I am sorely aware of the needs of our own families, churches and communities in this most difficult time.  For those who are able to give, the Good Friday Offering is a reminder for our Anglican brothers and sisters in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East that The Episcopal Church stands in solidarity with them in Jesus’ Name.

I hope you will encourage your people to participate in this effort. Due to the variety of ways we find ourselves gathering to worship together, gifts can now be made online or via text giving in addition to mail. Information, including bulletin covers, inserts, and more, is available online here. Any questions about this program may be directed to the Rev. Canon Robert Edmunds, our Middle East Partnership Officer. He can be reached here.

Thank you for considering this important witness to the love of Jesus across our Church. May God bless you and keep you always. I remain

Your brother in Christ,

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church