Posted on: April 23, 2018 12:27 PM

Immigration and minorities were chief topics of discussion at a meeting of the Anglican-Jewish Commission last month in Jerusalem. One particular focus was the situation facing Christians in the Middle East. They agreed that any responses to the situation must be grounded in an understanding and affirmation of human life and freedom.

This was the first time the group had met since 2014. Speaking afterwards members said they had been encouraged and hopeful about gathering more often in the future. The Commission expects to reconvene again in 2019.

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Programmes Coordinator for Inter Religious Affairs, Katie Hodkinson, said the meeting was very significant.

"It was something that the Archbishop of Canterbury agreed with the Chief Rabbinate of Israel whilst on his two-week visit to the Holy Land last May, " she said. "This renewed energy and commitment was warmly welcomed by both the Christian and Jewish communities.”

The Commission has now released a communiqué which can be viewed here.