Church of Scotland seeks new minister for Jerusalem church

The Church of Scotland is seeking a new minister for a parish in Jerusalem.

The kirk said the mission partner and minister for St Andrew's Memorial Church Jerusalem and Tiberias would be expected to support Christians in the region.

They are also tasked with helping to communicate the realities of life in Israel and Palestine to people in Scotland.

Services will be led primarily in Jerusalem and, when needed, in Tiberias on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

The church has been in the region since the mid 19th century, with the post taken on a fixed term basis.

The two most recent ministers - Rev Dr Stewart Gillan and Rev Muriel Pearson - left after reaching the end of their four-year terms.

The kirk said the region was "marked by uncertainty and conflict", with violence continuing in Gaza despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas being agreed last October.

Clashes between Israel and Iran are also ongoing.

There have also been reports of a recent rise in harassment of Christian clergy and pilgrims by Jewish extremists in Jerusalem's Old City.

However the Church of Scotland say the post is a vital role, despite congregations being small.

Applicants will be expected to learn Arabic or Hebrew, and be able to work across multifaith and multicultural settings.

Kenny Roger, the Church of Scotland's resource and presence manager, said: "The minister of St Andrew's Memorial Church Jerusalem and Tiberias is a key role for the Church of Scotland based in a city which is central to the major world religions.

"It is a privilege and allows for the minister to gain an intimate understanding of the situation throughout Israel and Palestine through the eyes of the local Christian population."

He added that the role "places high emphasis on ecumenical and interfaith working and is ideally suited to someone able to move easily from visiting places of poverty and injustice to dealing with heads of churches."

The church said both St Andrew's Memorial Church and St Andrew's Church in Tiberias had historical significance.

The memorial church commemorates Scottish soldiers who died in World War One, while the Tiberias church was founded by medical missionary Dr David Torrance. He also set up a hospital.

Whoever takes up the role will be expected to "strengthen links with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, and other partners across Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza", according to the Church of Scotland.

The next minister will also be expected to build links with other faith communities in the city and develop new forms of worship, including livestreaming.

Another responsibility will be leading assemblies at the Church of Scotland owned English-speaking Tabeetha School in Jaffa.

Deadline for applications is Monday 29 June.