The recent news of the violence and murder of thousands of people in Palestine and Israel has sent shockwaves around the world. In the midst of conflict lies confusion and finger-pointing. In this very special episode of For People, Bishop Wright has a conversation with Archbishop Hosam E. Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem. His jurisdiction covers Palestine, Israel, The Westbank, and other territories and states.
They discuss the current conflict and preserving the dignity of every person – that in this time of war peacebuilding across the table must be the response. They delve into the crucial role the church plays in fostering a lasting, just solution for both Israelis and Palestinians, even in an environment characterized by tension and mistrust. Listen in for the full conversation.
Give to The Diocese of Jerusalem here.
The Most Reverend Hosam Elias Naoum was consecrated as Bishop Coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem in June, 2020, and he was installed as Diocesan and the 15th Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem on May 13, 2021. He was born in Haifa in 1974 and grew up in Shefa’amr in Galilee. Married to his wife Rafa, they have a son and two daughters: Wadie, Laurice, and Krista.
As Diocesan Bishop, Archbishop Hosam is the Chief Pastor of the 28 parishes spread through the five political regions of Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. As Bishop, he is also Chairman of the Board of each of more than thirty institutions of education and healthcare spread throughout the five countries of the Diocese, including Gaza. The diocesan schools, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation and vocational training centers provide the best possible services while reaching out to assist those who cannot afford to pay for services and strengthening the Christian presence in this region.
In a multicultural, multi-faith, multi-ethnic diocese spread across five countries, Archbishop Naoum is a strong advocate for peace and reconciliation. A significant member of many ecumenical and interfaith organizations, he works with the Archbishop of Canterbury on Anglican and interfaith issues. One of the thirteen recognized Heads of Churches in Israel, Archbishop Naoum faithfully encourages leaders of the Churches to make every effort to strengthen the Christian presence as a moderate and mediating Body in a region torn by anxiety and unrest.
In May of 2023, Archbishop Hosam also became the Primate over the entire Province of Jerusalem & the Middle East, which includes not only the Diocese of Jerusalem, but also the Diocese of Cyprus & the Gulf and the Diocese of Iran. In January of that same year, he was also elected as Vice Chair of the Anglican Consultative Council at the ACC-18 Meeting in Ghana, a representative body that serves as one of the uniting Instruments of the Worldwide Anglican Communion.