Bishop John Harvey Taylor with Canon Iyad Qumri
Donald Trump’s inhumane Gaza ethnic cleansing scheme has sparked outrage among all who pray and work for Palestinian national self-determination. It is also an invitation to each of us to brush up on our understanding of the interplay of religion and politics in the recent history of the Middle East, with particular focus on the Christian community, whose members, though in the minority, often play vital bridge-building, peacemaking roles.
Members and friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles will have a unique opportunity to go deep in these issues as we welcome Canon Iyad Qumri back to town for a panel discussion and dinner address on Sunday, March 9 beginning at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park.
Canon Iyad’s dinner keynote will comprise a review or preview for former or future Holy Land pilgrims. During our panel discussion starting at four, we’ll hear from our three experts on the region’s Christian communities. I’ll have the privilege of moderating the conversation, featuring:
— Canon Iyad, founder of Qumri Pilgrimages and member of a Palestinian Arab Christian family from East Jerusalem. He is a world renowned pilgrim impresario who has led thousands on visits to holy sites in Israel and Palestine while giving each pilgrim the opportunity to learn about contemporary issues.
— The Rev. Canon Bill Schwartz, board member of Stand With Iraqi Christians and retired archdeacon of the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf and dean of St. Christopher’s Cathedral, Manama, Bahrain. Canon Bill is a specialist on the Christian community in Iraq.
— Joumana Silvan-Saba, director of policy and discrimination enforcement for the Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department. A member of a Syrian Christian family, Ms. Silvan-Saba is a specialist in conflict resolution who has trained U.S. diplomats and had the opportunity to brief Vice President Biden in 2015.
To reserve your place for the panel and dinner, please write to bishopsoffice@ladiocese.org. We invite a free will offering of $20 per person at the door, in cash or check. My thanks to Lorraine Reeder in the Diocese of Connecticut for her help in planning Iyad’s visit.
(From left) Joumana Silvan-Saba and The Rev. Canon Bill Schwartz.