LET LIGHT SHINE
The Canadian Campaign for
St. George's College Jerusalem

God, who said let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 4:6

The Old City of Jerusalem Has Eight Gateways

Each gateway offers a distinctive portal into the place where many generations of pilgrims remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. Not too far from the historic Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem, there is another gateway, used by thousands from around the world who seek spiritual renewal in the Land of the Holy One: St. George’s College Jerusalem.

The College is an integral part of the ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. It is nestled within the bustling St. George’s Cathedral Close, alongside the diocesan Cathedral, guest house, administrative offices, episcopal residence and St. George’s School (Kindergarten to Secondary), whose students are often found playing beside the College.

St. George’s College was founded in 1920 for Palestinian seminarians and was redeveloped in the 1960s as a centre for pilgrimage, teaching, and reconciliation, for clergy and laity from the worldwide Anglican Communion and other churches. The College provides a unique gateway to the Land of the Holy One and those who live there.

The College's Staff Offers Skilled Guidance and Information

To enable pilgrims to see, feel, and understand the biblical and contemporary richness of the land and the Christians, Jews, and Muslims who live there. The College is wholly committed to building awareness and dialogue through pilgrimage, education, and by arranging encounters between different groups of people to promote reconciliation.

The College normally draws many pilgrims to the Land of the Holy One, and many local Palestinians provide services and goods to pilgrims. Everyone benefits when pilgrims are on the land.

Present Crisis

The warfare that has intensified in the Middle East since October 2023 has had a devastating impact on the ministry of the Diocese of Jerusalem. Archbishop Hosam Naoum has said “my diocese is bleeding at this time” and he has appealed to Anglicans from around the world to offer prayers and practical support.

Violence and uncertainty have created a major crisis for St. George’s College. The $2 million annual budget of the College is primarily supported through earned revenue from pilgrims’ fees, gift shop sales, and other lodging fees. This revenue stream has been totally disrupted. It is highly unlikely that pilgrimages will resume in the next twelve months and there are insufficient funds to provide already-reduced salaries for the College’s staff and essential operations in 2025.

The situation is dire for the remaining staff and their families, and for the future of the College itself.

Let Light Shine

St. George’s College Jerusalem is a gem of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Although some emergency funding has been made available in 2024 through the North American Committee (NAC), St. George’s College Jerusalem is now appealing to all Anglicans and friends to help provide essential support in 2025.

Let Light Shine: The Canadian Campaign for St. George’s College Jerusalem is the NAC appeal to friends of the College in Canada. It will run from December 2024 to April 2025.

The Campaign objective is to raise $250,000 from Canadian friends of St. George’s College Jerusalem, to provide funds for paying staff salaries and related operations in 2025.

During this time of alarming tension and restrictions, the College has adapted with creativity and resilience. The Dean and remaining staff have produced videos for virtual pilgrimages, developed future curricula, and maintained the facility.

The Canadian Campaign team maintains close contact with the College’s Dean, the Very Reverend Canon Richard Sewell, and with Archbishop Hosam, who are deeply dedicated and committed to the College. Pease join in solidarity with them to help St. George’s College in its time of need.

How to Donate

Friends in Canada can donate to the St. George’s College Jerusalem Fund through the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. Tax receipts are available for all donations, with online donations receiving an automatic receipt.

Online Payments

To make an online tax-deductible donation via Anglican Diocese of Ottawa from within Canada visit:

Payments by Cheque

Simply mail your cheque, payable to:

Anglican Diocese of Ottawa

Please add to the memo line St. George’s College Jerusalem Fund, and send to the following address:

Anglican Diocese of Ottawa

71 Bronson Avenue

Ottawa, ON K1R 6G6

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LET LIGHT SHINE The Canadian Campaign for St. George's College Jerusalem

LET LIGHT SHINE
The Canadian Campaign for
St. George's College Jerusalem