[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs] Marking the 90^th anniversary of the annual Good Friday Offering, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has written to all congregations asking them to consider assistance for Jerusalem and the Middle East.

“This annual appeal is a unique spiritual opportunity to continue Jesus’ work in the land of his birth and early ministry,” the Presiding Bishop writes.  “Please join me in continuing that incarnate presence of love and healing.”

Funds collected from the Good Friday Offering are gathered and distributed to the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East which includes the Dioceses of Jerusalem and Cyprus and the Gulf, all members of the Anglican Communion.

Among the many projects assisted by past Good Friday offerings are: Diocese of Jerusalem’s St. Peter’s Elderly Home for Christian seniors, St. Andrew’s Clinic for diabetes, educational scholarships, and St Andrew’s Housing Projects for young Christian couples; and in the diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, the many medical ministries of Ras Morbat Clinic based at Christ Church in Aden, Yemen, such as a clinic for mothers and babies, eye care, a vocational school, and ministry to seafarers.

Information and resources for the Good Friday Offering are available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/good-friday-offering

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

The Presiding Bishop’s letter in full:

_______________________________________________________

2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I give thanks for the faithful, inspiring, and compassionate witness which I see in my travels throughout The Episcopal Church.  Mission born of deep listening and responding to local and international needs continues to blossom in innovative ways throughout the Church.  I am heartened to see how the Holy Spirit continues to move among us.

This year marks the 90^th anniversary of the annual Good Friday Offering.  Since 1922 this ministry of The Episcopal Church has consistently provided solidarity with, and financial support for, our sisters and brothers throughout the Episcopalian-Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.  You are well aware of the social and political challenges which exist for Christians and their neighbors in this region.  You may be less aware that the bishops, clergy, and people of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East sponsor, support, and sustain many institutions of compassion, healing, and education throughout the Province.

The Good Friday Offering provides essential funding to strengthen the visibility and vitality of the Christian presence through the schools, hospitals, clinics, and churches which bear witness each day to the reconciling love of God in Christ for all people, whether Christian, Muslim, or Jew.

This annual appeal is a unique spiritual opportunity to continue Jesus’ work in the land of his birth and earthly ministry.  Please join me in continuing that incarnate presence of love and healing.  I remain

Your servant in Christ,

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church