Good Friday Offering to Benefit Christ Church Jerusalem

The Anglican Church in North America is asking congregations across the Province to collect a special Good Friday offering to bless the good works of reconciliation and outreach at Christ Church Jerusalem.

“In the midst of conflict, Christ Church models reconciliation numerous ways,” Archbishop Robert Duncan noted in a March 20th letter to member churches.

“The staff is comprised of Jewish and Arab believers who regularly pray and worship together. Their schools provide Christian education for Arab and Jewish children. Their ministry to the poor includes all the religious communities, but especially assists Arab Christians and Messianic Jews,” Archbishop Duncan stated.

Archbishop Duncan also noted the blessings that many have experienced over the years as a result of Christ Church’s teaching ministry. Shoresh Study Tours and Alexander College are committed to teaching the Jewish roots of our faith to Christians.

According to Archbishop Duncan, “The aim of Alexander College and Shoresh is best described in one word: discipleship. Their premise is that with greater knowledge of the Jewish context of the Bible, participants will better understand the life and teaching of Jesus.”

“It is traditional to share the Good Friday offerings with the church in Jerusalem and fitting to bless the dynamic works of Christ Church Jerusalem,” Archbishop Duncan said. “Good Friday is Good Friday because of what Jesus Christ did at Jerusalem once for all two millennia ago.”

All churches are encouraged to participate in the offering. Receipts sent to the Provincial Office (Anglican Church in North America, 800 Maplewood Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003) should indicate “Good Friday Offering” in the memo line.

History of Christ Church
Christ Church Jerusalem is the oldest Protestant church in the Middle East. It was founded by British Anglicans who wanted to share Jesus with the Jewish people and teach the church its biblical roots.

Its first bishop, Michael Solomon Alexander, was a Jewish rabbi who came to faith and taught Hebrew to Christians in order for them to better understand Scripture. Upon his arrival in Jerusalem in 1841, he also built Jerusalem’s first modern hospital, and became known for his care for the poor and persecuted of the city.