Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As we approach Holy Week, I am writing, with the backing of my brother bishops in the diocese, to invite parishes and individuals to support this year’s Good Friday Offering for the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, which in 2026 is dedicated to the work of Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. For well over a century, Anglican congregations have marked Good Friday by offering practical support to the Province of Jerusalem & the Middle East, a sign of our fellowship in Christ and our commitment to stand alongside the Christian communities of the Holy Land. In these present days, when the suffering of the region weighs so heavily on the hearts of many, this shared act of prayer and generosity carries particular significance.
Al Ahli Hospital, owned and sustained by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, continues to serve the whole human family in Gaza with extraordinary courage. Despite repeated closures during the conflict, including further devastating damage during the war, the hospital has persevered in offering care to all who come in need. In recent months it has often been the only functioning hospital in Gaza City, working far beyond its normal capacity, carrying out hundreds of operations each month, and caring for the most vulnerable — children, the elderly, the injured, and those living with life-threatening illness. Especially at Easter, its resilience is a powerful reminder of Christ’s persevering love for us shown in his passion and crucifixion.
Funds given through the Good Friday Offering help provide staff salaries, medical supplies, fuel for generators, and the essential resources needed to keep the hospital open. Quite simply, this support enables healing to continue where hope might otherwise seem impossible.
At a time when the Christian presence in the Holy Land faces profound challenge, our prayer and our generosity are signs that the Body of Christ remains one. I warmly encourage every parish, congregation and individual, as you are able, to join in this year’s Good Friday Offering, and to hold the Diocese of Jerusalem, the staff and patients of Al Ahli Hospital, and all the peoples of the Holy Land in your prayers.
How to give
Bank Transfer:
Jerusalem and the East Mission Trust Ltd (JMECA) Registered Charity No. 1158476
Coutts Bank
Sort code: 18-00-02
Account number: 03283534
Reference: GFO2026
Cheques: payable to JMECA (marked GFO2026)
Sent to:
Operations Manager, JMECA
1 Hart House, The Hart
Farnham, Surrey GU9 7HJ
Giving Online
Online donations (including Gift Aid) may be made via the JMECA giving page via Charities Aid Foundation:
https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/24585#!/DonationDetails
With my thanks for your prayerful support,
+Sarah
Bishop Sarah has also included Archbishop Hosam Naoum, the Archbishop in Jerusalem's prayer for peace in the Holy Land
O God of all justice and peace,
we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma
of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land.
Be with those who need you in these days of suffering;
we pray for people of all faiths — Jews, Muslims and Christians,
and for all people of the land.
While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence
and the establishment of peace,
we also call to you to bring justice and equality
to the peoples.
Guide us into your kingdom
where all people are treated with dignity and honour
as your children;
for to all of us you are our Heavenly Father.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Archbishop in Jerusalem.