Deepening Dialogue, Education and Engagement – a statement from Lambeth Palace

A meeting was held yesterday at Lambeth Palace between the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum (who joined via video from Jerusalem), and the President and Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. They discussed issues affecting Christians in the Old City of Jerusalem, as well as issues of concern to the UK Jewish community.

The leaders talked about the importance of honest dialogue between their respective communities, even around difficult issues.

They agreed to explore the setting up of an informal working group to develop significant opportunities for deeper connection between the UK Jewish community and the Church of England, and with Christian communities in Israel. These will focus on dialogue, education and engagement.

Archbishop Justin underlined his ongoing commitment to working together with the Jewish community to combat antisemitism and to Holocaust education and remembrance, and the application of the IHRA definition.