The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem: The Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East

From the earliest days of denominational mission involvement, Presbyterians covenanted with other church missionary societies not to duplicate activities in the same countries; so they arranged, through what is called the "Comity Agreement" not to launch Presbyterian mission work per se in the Holy Land. Instead they collaborated with the Anglicans and German Reformed to carry out the missionary mandate in Palestine. The Episcopal Church was then the product of that collaboration. It now stands, together with other Christian churches, as a witness to the work of Christ beginning in the "City of the Resurrection and Pentecost" - Jerusalem. Our collaboration with this partner continues in the work of evangelism, Christian education, health care, justice and reconciliation, human rights and advocacy. Two outstanding health facilities for long supported by the PC(USA) are St. Luke's Hospital in Nablus, and the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

When founded in the 19th century, this church partner was known and registered as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan (ELCJ). It is rooted in the mission outreach into the trans-Jordan by the German Lutherans and German Reformed. It carries out its ministry in the Lutheran and Reformed traditions, and is supported in its work of several parishes, health institutions, Christian education, Christian-Muslim-Jewish dialogue, advocacy and social justice.

The YMCA and YWCA of East Jerusalem

Long-established institutions of social service, the YM and YW have focused for over a century on vocational training and rehabilitation of children and young women and men. They have centers in Jerusalem, Jericho, Beit Sahour, Calandia and Bethlehem. Presbyterians have been a part of the mission and ministry of the Y for many years.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Though ours is a young partnership, our cooperation with CRS has helped it embark on a special ministry of interpreting the situation in Israel and Palestine through welcoming and providing accompaniment to Christian pilgrims and travel groups visiting the Holy Land. The CRS staff includes a PC(USA) mission appointee who facilitates our partnership, and our engagement in the work of justice, advocacy and reconciliation so much needed in that conflict-torn region.

Near East Christian Council in Gaza

This is the formal registration name of what is currently the ministry carried out to Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). This program, which has involved Presbyterians since its institution over fifty years ago, provides services in health care, nutrition, education, vocational training, and collaboration with human rights groups for Palestinian refugees in Gaza.

Ramallah Friends School

For over a century, this school is one of many who have carried out an exceptional ministry in quality education for boys and girls in this town outside of Jerusalem and the entire region. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has appointed mission personnel as teachers there over the years, and, from time to time, has sent work-camp groups as a way to experience shared living with Palestinian youth.

SABEEL Ecumenical Palestinian Liberation Theology Center

An Arabic word meaning "the Way," and also "Spring of Water," SABEEL was founded by the Rev. Dr. Na`eem Ateek, a Palestinian Israeli Episcopal priest, just after the 1987 Palestinian Intifada, to help Palestinian Christians reflect theologically on the meaning of peaceful resistance and the quest for a just peace. It has expanded from a local parish's sermon feedback and discussion group after Sunday morning worship in Jerusalem, to a full program of developing Christian authorship and publishing cell, ecumenical cooperation, speakers' bureau, hospitality to pilgrims, interfaith dialogue and advocacy, and a biennial international conference to promote understanding the issues that confront Palestinians in their occupied lands, as well as provide activities of outreach in the ministry of reconciliation. Presbyterians have benefitted greatly from the dedicated work offered by SABEEL and its leadership, and have assisted the Center through financial support and volunteer mission personnel.

Mar Elias College at Ibillin

Located in the Galilee, the College was the evolution of a vision of peace realized through the prayers and hard work of the "renowned peacemaker and apostle of reconciliation" Father Elias Chacour, Melkite Catholic priest and author of the international bestseller Blood Brothers. Beside the standard Israeli educational curriculum, this high school/college offers courses that help Israeli and Arab students understand the roots of conflict and ways to alternative living. Religious education and prayer life are central at St. Elias; and Father Chacour himself is a prominent daily presence on the campus, and is sought out by teachers and students alike.

The ICC and DSPR

The International Christian Committee and the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (of the Middle East Council of Churches) are two sister agencies that are devoted to relief and development work among the innumerable Palestinians who have lived in refugee camps and villages throughout the Occupied Territories. Presbyterians provide support to this work through PC(USA)'s department of Global Service and Witness, and Department of Ecumenical Partnership.

The International Center of Bethlehem (ICB)

The ICB is a Lutheran-based, ecumenically oriented institution serving the whole Palestinian community. The programs of the Center serve the entire community from “the womb to the tomb,” with an emphasis on children, youth, and women. Equipping the local community to assume a proactive role in shaping their future is at the heart of the ICB’s mission. Through empowering the local community, developing human resources, cultivating artistic talents, and facilitating intercultural encounters, the ICB actively promotes the building of Palestinian civil society.