Who are The Friends?
As The Friends of St Andrew’s Jerusalem & Tiberias, we support the Church of Scotland presence, ministry, service, hospitality and partners in Israel and Palestine.
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Most of us have a direct connection: some through being part of the worshipping community of Jerusalem or Tiberias while in the region for work or volunteering; some through having visited while on pilgrimage; some because their Presbytery has a Mission Partner based in Tiberias or Jerusalem; and some because of the Jerusalem church’s role as a national memorial to Scots who died in the Great War. Others join simply because they wish to lend their support. And it is open to congregations, guilds, and military units to join as Associate Members. Membership is open to all.
What we do
We bring together people with an interest in the work of the Church of Scotland in Palestine and Israel; we publicise the work of the Church and its partners through our social media presence and a regular newsletter; we give scholarships for study in the region; we give grants to Church of Scotland institutions and partners; we honour the status of St Andrew’s Scots Memorial Church in Jerusalem as a national memorial to Scots who died in the Great War; we hold an annual St Andrew’s Day service in Edinburgh, and support a similar event in Jerusalem; and we pray for justice, peace and reconciliation in the land of the Holy One.
The Ministers
Rev Dr Stewart Gillan
Alongside those in the Lutheran and Episcopal Churches, Stewart leads St Andrew’s Church in Jerusalem. He tookup the reins in August 2022 from where his shared ministry with Muriel promises development of the role of the Church of Scotland in the Holy Land.
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Additionally he journeys with partners concerned with human rights and development, on the long road to justice, peace and healing.
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Rev Muriel Pearson
Muriel was appointed as Associate Minister and is based in Tiberias where she works with the local congregation to welcome pilgrims. Her role incorporates being chaplain in the Scots Hotel and at Tabeetha; she also connects with myriad partners of different circumstances, geographical and religious backgrounds.
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Muriel is a trained counsellor and facilitator and hopes to host space for conversation and learning as part of the Church of Scotland’s commitment to peace with justice.
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Muriel’s adventures can be followed through Twitter, on Facebook and via blogs and short videos.
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