UPDATE FROM DEAN RICHARD SEWELL 

St George’s College has experienced numerous serious disruptions to its ministry over the past fifty years and there is an institutional memory of surviving these great challenges. We are in another of those moments of deep rupture. The crisis is brought about by an explosion of violence between Israelis and Palestinians which has resulted in atrocities by both sides causing devastating numbers of deaths and casualties. The College staff along with people of all faiths and none, mourn these tragic events and the grief and deep trauma which result.  

The pilgrim group we had with us when the war broke out were able to have an adapted pilgrimage and left the land early and safely. They have reported very positively on the way the College managed the very challenging experiences and say that they always felt safe and well cared for.  

Tragically the situation does not look likely to change in the short term so unfortunately, we have had to cancel all the remaining pilgrimages this year. I am sure everyone will understand this decision and not many would consider a visit to Israel and Palestine for quite some time. The situation will need to have completely calmed down for us to even consider reopening. All those registered for these pilgrimages have been informed.  

Staff remain working as far as we are able. West Bank staff have been unable to get through the checkpoints since the beginning of the war. Jerusalem staff and expat staff are not prevented (mostly) from getting to the College. However, of course, it is having a deep impact on everyone and we ask for your continuing prayers. Also, prayers for all the people of the land – everyone in Palestine and Israel is affected, either directly or indirectly. We pray for an end to the bombing and the firing and for talks to begin and make progress towards a peaceful resolution. Then the hard work of bridgebuilding must begin. Any progress has to take account for the rights of all to live in peace without fear and for their lives to be lived free of oppression.  

Any further news about College courses/pilgrimages will be issued as possible and published here. It is too soon to think about courses next year but we will make decision as and when it is necessary.  

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Welcome to the St George’s College website.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a transformative experience but the ways in which pilgrims engage with the Land and its people is absolutely key. Our long history of organizing study pilgrimages and our deep roots in Israel/Palestine means that St George’s College is an excellent choice for your pilgrimage.

We offer a varied range of study pilgrimages with different themes. In order to choose the one that suits you best look for length of course at the time of year which most appeals to you. The Palestine of Jesus, the Footsteps of Jesus and Introduction to Biblelands differ only in length, while other courses have a specific theme such as Sharing Perspectives (Interfaith) and Women of the Bible. All courses are framed as a pilgrimage so visits to holy and historical sites look at the biblical context and lead pilgrims into prayer. At most sites there is some time for individual reflection.

A US $500 deposit books your place. Although this is non refundable if you decide to cancel you can transfer the deposit to another course at a convenient time. Further information on all the pilgrimages can be found here.

“Pilgrimage is partly a process of self-reflection in which the pilgrim considers their own life, their commitments, their identity and their relationship with God. It is transformative.” Rev Dr Rodney Aist

Our Study Pilgrimages
Our pilgrimage programs vary between 8 and 14 days, and we provide a unique combination of features that makes our pilgrimage programs distinctive and transformative.

Message from the Dean

Welcome to the website for St George's College, Jerusalem.

St George’s is the Anglican Centre for pilgrimage in the Holy Land. We have many years of experience running pilgrimages and our staff team offer high quality teaching along with spiritual and practical care. By booking a pilgrimage with us you are connecting with and investing in the ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem, part of the local Christian community.

Our study pilgrimages are rooted in the present-day realities of the context of Israel/Palestine, so your pilgrimage experience will be uplifting and inspiring spiritually, theologically and historically educational and also informative about the current issues of these lands.

The College is situated just ten minutes walk from Damascus Gate in the heart of the holy city of Jerusalem. It is a beautiful and peaceful location for short-term pilgrimages, interfaith conversations and Christian fellowship. Our courses weave together time at sacred sites all over the Holy Lands. You can enjoy daily worship in the Anglican Cathedral next to the College and in local churches. People from all over the world join our programmes as they walk together in the footsteps of Jesus. I am pleased to invite you to experience this for yourself and if you have been before to sign up to a follow-up course.

You are welcome to the community of St George’s College. Your faith will be deepened and your life enriched by the experiences you will enjoy in and through the College.

The Very Revd Canon Richard Sewell, Dean

See for Yourself
Watch the Saint George's College Jerusalem Video