St. George’s College Jerusalem is pleased to announce a partnership agreement with Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA. As part of this agreement, both institutions agree to hold each other up in prayer, work together to promote a positive vision of the Anglican Communion worldwide, and actively seek to collaborate on mutual learning experiences, such as cross-cultural education programs. This important partnership marks a new era for the College as we continue to grow into what it means to be the Anglican Center in the Holy Land.

The partnerships states: “Acknowledging the rich experience of partnership we have enjoyed and cognizant of the mutual benefits in our respective communities of such partnership, we commit to seeing our partnership grow and mature and acknowledge that this agreement represents a new era in co-operation for the sake of the wider church.”

The Rev. Melody Knowles, Ph.D., Acting Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary, reflecting on the renewed partnership agreement: “Virginia Theological Seminary has deep relationships in the Anglican Communion. Our relationship and friendship with St. George’s presents opportunities for our community to experience and engage with a unique expression of Anglicanism in a unique setting. I am very pleased we have renewed this partnership.”

The Very Rev. Canon Gregory Jenks, Ph.D., Dean of St. George’s College, said: “This agreement signifies a new era of partnership between Virginia Theological Seminary and St. George’s College. As Dean I am committed to building on past achievements to make SGC a leading center for pilgrimage, reconciliation and study for the Anglican Communion. Institutional partnerships are key to this work. I am delighted that VTS remains one of our closest partners.”

VTS’s Center for Anglican Communion Studies is responsible for implementing the agreement and its director, the Rev. Robert S. Heaney, Ph.D., D.Phil commented, “The presence of Christians and Anglicans in the Holy Land connects us with the very heartland of our faith. With new leadership and a fresh mission focus at St. George’s College Jerusalem, this is an exciting time for VTS to be in partnership with them.”

The new agreement runs for three years, beginning July 1, 2016.