Chaired by Archbishop Suheil and facilitated by Archdeacon Luay Haddad, the Diocesan Clergy gathered for their Annual Meeting in Amman, Jordan 5 – 7 October 2015. “This annual meeting was such a wonderful time of sharing, fellowship and discussion,” said Archdeacon Luay Haddad.
On the first day, the meeting began with an uplifting talk by retired Archdeacon Rafik Farah about the importance of service and ministry in the Holy Land.
It was a pleasure to see him before returning to Canada where he resides.
Each day commenced with Morning Prayers with meditations led by the Reverend Canon Hanna Mansour, and the Reverend Canon Samir Esaid.
Following that, there was a time for sharing information and experiences of the varied nature of parish life, with its joys and its pressures.
Dean Hosam, on behalf of the Archbishop, led a lively discussion on ministry. Updates were provided on the mission and ministry of the Diocesan institutions. The Jordanian clergy who have been involved in ministering to the refugees in Jordan shared experiences of how the churches are responding to the refugee crisis.
The current pressures on Christians in the region was a central topic of discussion, as well as how the Diocese and parishes can work together to provide the best facilities for children.
Reverend David Longe, Chaplain to the Archbishop, facilitated a discussion on the Anglican identity and theology. He later commented, “I am so excited to be able to meet all the clergy and fellowship with them; I am very humbled and blessed by the amazing ministry that they perform.”
The Archbishop concluded the meeting with a special address on the current challenges that the church now faces in the region. He asked all to be strong and firm in their faith, to put all pride aside so that all can work and walk following the example of Christ.
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