Sunday, October 25 – The Diocese of Jerusalem and the Diocese of Washington, D.C. celebrated the formal beginning of a Companion relationship in a joint service of English and Arabic congregations at the Cathedral of St. George the Martyr. With pilgrims from around the world filling in every seat available, including every chapel, corner, and choir stall, Bishop Suheil Dawani and Bishop John Chane signed documents proclaiming the partnership of the two dioceses to work together through faith in action.

Accompanied by a delegation of more than thirty pilgrims, Bishop Chane, of the Diocese of Washington, preached on the parable of the Wedding Feast as an invitation into the Kingdom of God. He drew a parallel between that invitation, as one which requires respect and commitment to fulfill what is expected of guests at such a feast, and the making of a Companion relationship. He said; ‘today the Dioceses of Washington and Jerusalem have been invited to the Wedding Feast.”

He went on to explain the feast as a feast of mutual ministry, in which understanding and commitment are expected. He challenges his pilgrims, representing his diocese, and the local congregation, representing the Diocese of Jerusalem, to work hard to learn about each other, to share resources for schools and hospitals, to work for basic human rights for all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being.

Bishop Dawani and Bishop Chane concluded the signing ceremony by lighting and exchanging candles from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, sharing the Peace, and celebrating the Eucharist.