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May 12, 2011

Episcopalians to Hold Silent Vigil for Israeli Bishop

The Episcopal Diocese of Washington is facilitating a Silent Vigil in solidarity in support of Rt. Rev. Suheil Dawani, Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem, whose visa the Israeli government has refused to renew. Join fellow Episcopalians in support of Bishop Dawani by holding a Silent Vigil in your parish on May 24, the day of Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu's address before the Joint Session of the U.S. Congress.

 

Following the March meeting of the House of Bishops, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and the House wrote letters requesting support for Bishop Dawani, who has been denied the customary residency permit allowing him to live in Jerusalem.

 

Dawani's episcopal ministry requires him to travel throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which includes parishes and institutions in Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Palestinian Territories. Dawani, a Palestinian Christian, has held a residency permit for Jerusalem since 2007.

 

Dawani has filed court action seeking reinstatement of his residency permit, which was revoked in August 2010. Israel's Ministry of the Interior denied permits for Dawani, his wife and his youngest daughter on the grounds that Dawani had illegally sold Israeli land to Palestinians. He also was accused of forging documents.

 

Dawani has denied the allegations, none of which have been substantiated by any documentary evidence, according to the diocese. The bishop has attempted to resolve the matter through the Ministry of the Interior and the nation's attorney general but his inquiries remain answered.

 

Contact the Rev. Susan Burns regarding the vigil if you have questions. 

or call 301.229.3770.