wfn.org | "Pilgrim" Primates

[keith.whitefield@quest.org.uk]

March 4, 1997
ANGLICAN COMMUNION NEWS SERVICE
Canon Jim Rosenthal, Director of Communications
Anglican Communion Office
London, England

[97.2.4.8]

Jerusalem to Welcome
Anglican "Pilgrim" Primates

(ACNS)
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd George L Carey, will chair
the regular meeting of the Primates (Chief Archbishops, Bishops) of the
Anglican Communion from 9-17 March at St George's College and Cathedral,
Jerusalem. The meeting will focus on the themes of the forthcoming
Lambeth Conference 1998 as well as taking the opportunity to learn and
experience more of the situation in the Middle East.  Visits to top
leaders of Israel and Palestine are planned as well as a two major
liturgical events in the historic St George's Cathedral.  

The meeting is being hosted by the Province of the Episcopal Church of 
Jerusalem and the Middle East and the Diocese of Jerusalem. The Province
has a new Primate, the Most Revd Ghais Malik, Bishop of Egypt, who
succeeds the Rt Revd Samir Kafity, the host bishop, who will serve as
chaplain for the meeting. There will be a Diocesan Eucharistic
Celebration on March 16 with the Archbishop of Canterbury as the
principal celebrant and the Primate of the Episcopal Church USA, the
Most Revd Edmond L Browning, preaching.

This is a key point in the meeting enabling the Primates to meet the
indigenous Christian community.  An Evensong service will welcome
ecumenical guests from all the Christian denominations represented in
Jerusalem at which the Archbishop of Canterbury will deliver the sermon.

As an act of Lenten devotion, the Primates will do the traditional
Stations of the Cross (The Via Dolorosa) on Saturday. 

The meeting will be staffed by the London Anglican Communion
Secretariat, assisted by Lambeth Palace staff, with the Revd Canon John
L. Peterson as Secretary. The Revd Canon Andrew Deuchar, Secretary for
Anglican Communion Affairs for the Archbishop of Canterbury will also be
present.  

The Primates Meeting is closed but there will be photocalls throughout
the week and a possible closing press conference or statement.  A press
office will be in operation in Jerusalem or enquiries can be made
through the London office.

A meeting of the Inter Anglican Finance Committee and the Standing 
Committees of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC)
will take place prior to the Primates Meeting.

CONTACT NUMBERS IN JERUSALEM: 
+972 2-626-4704/5  TELEPHONE
+972  2-626-2958     FAX