Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem
PROGRAMS
The Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem is a partnership of the World Methodist Council, the Methodist Church in Great Britain [https://www.methodist.org.uk/] and the United Methodist Church [https://www.umc.org/en]. Its purpose is to increase international awareness and involvement of the Methodist community in the issues affecting Israel and Palestine.
The office is located in St. George’s College, East Jerusalem. Its role is to be a presence on behalf of World Methodism in the Holy Land. This involves:
- Working ecumenically with churches, community organizations, and individuals across the West Ba
- Partnering with any individuals or organisations who work for Human Rights in the Region.
- Welcoming Methodist pilgrimage groups from around the world and encouraging them to engage, not only with the historical stones of religious sites, but with the living stones of Christian and other faith communities.
- Supporting and enabling visitors to volunteer at local projects as part of encounter and mission opportunitie
- Being ecumenical associate ministers of the Church of Scotland in Jerusalem, Tiberius and supporting the UMC Filipino community in Tel Aviv.
- Facilitating advocacy especially by amplifying voices about everyday life under occupation in the West Bank, Gaza and Israel.
Jane Eesley has been a United Methodist minister since 1996, serving congregations in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United States. In her late 20s, she served three years with the Global Mission Fellows program of the UMC, including 16 months in East Jerusalem with the Greek Catholic Society Infant Welfare Center. It’s a pleasure to return to the Palestinian community, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. Jane enjoys reading, languages, traveling, good meals, and deep friendship.
Contact Jane at jeesley@umcmission.org
David Hardman is a British Methodist Minister ordained in 1994. He has served churches and circuits in the city centre, inner-city and suburbs of Manchester and London. He has also worked for Christian Aid as Senior Regional Coordinator in the North West of England and most recently as Methodist Team Leader of the Joint Public Issues Team. Justice and Peace have been at the heart of David’s ministry, he is an accredited mediator with Place for Hope and a committed activist. He enjoys music, photography and sport (although more watching than participating these days!)
Contact David at hardmand@methodistchurch.org.uk
Samar Hashweh is a Palestinian born in Jerusalem. She is a committed Christian worshiping at the Greek Orthodox Church in the Old City of Jerusalem. She has been the office manager of the MLO since 2019. Her life and previous work experiences have enabled her to contribute at the MLO and to act as a bridge between the Palestinians, Israelis and the International Communities. She is one of the 12 Faces of Hope for the World Council of Churches, alongside people of other faiths sharing hopes and dreams for Justice and Peace in the Holy Land. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, learning languages and reading.
Contact Samar at office@mlojerusalem.org
The MLO staff provides pilgrim and volunteer opportunities to visit the holy sites and experience transformative engagement among local Christians, Muslims, and Jews to build relationships and to help pilgrims better understand about the Holy Land. The MLO connects visitors with local initiatives supported by Methodist and Ecumenical partners. For more information please contact the MLO directly.
David Hardman
October 31
Methodist Liaison Office Weekly Update and Prayer Meeting
Join Methodists from around the world to pray together for Justice and Peace in the Holy Land. Every Wednesday from 8pm (Jerusalem), 6pm (UK), 1pm (US-Eastern) & 12noon (US- Midwest) for 40 minutes. Each week there will be updates and theological reflections from local voices and MLO staff members followed by the opportunity to pray together. To join please email office@mlojerusalem.org and you will be sent joining instructions.
David Hardman
October 23
Statement on the escalation of violence in Israel-Palestine
The World Methodist Council, the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, and the Methodist Church in Britain work in partnership to run the Methodist Liaison Office based in Jerusalem employing 3 staff members. They have released this statement after the attacks in the region:
We are witnesses to the escalation of violence in the region and we call on the global Methodist people to continue to pray for peace and for an end to the violence.
Pray for those who have lost family members and livelihoods, the injured, for those who perpetuate violence and for world leaders that they may work for peace, the churches and all religious leaders and for those who work for peace in the region.
The situation is complicated, and we recognise the fear and sense of injustice that are felt, but we call on both sides not to resort to further violence and to engage in negotiation to establish a peaceful solution for all who live in the Holy Land.
Today it was good to see so many representatives, church leaders, local, international, Diplomats, the Mayors of Bethlehem and the village of Nahaleen, and the press gather together with Palestinian security to hear voices speak out against the attacks the Nassar family at the Tent of Nations have experienced. The attacks have been on the buildings, land, crops and horrific recent attack that Daoud and Daher were subjected to.This included the Mayor of Nahaleen strongly condeming the attacks on the Nasser family, insisting that those responsible be held to account. Praying for a just, peaceful and lasting solution.
Email:
Address:
Methodist Liaison Office
P.O. Box 14631
91146 Jerusalem
Palestine Israel
Telephone:
+00 972 2 623 4207
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