By Michael Ireland

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (ANS) – In a recent update from the Middle East, Canon Andrew White, the popular ‘Vicar of Baghdad’ from St. George’s Church in the Iraqi capital, has announced he is to launch an international school to study reconciliation issues.

“One of the good things about being in Jerusalem is engaging with many of the visitors here,” he writes. “One of the things that has become clear here is the level of interest that there is in reconciliation issues and broader Middle East studies. It is clear that normal visits and pilgrimages here do not really provide a foundation in this complex subject. We have therefore decided to establish The Jerusalem International School of Reconciliation Studies.”

The school will start with one course to run during September this year. “The course will provide an in-depth introduction to Middle East Conflicts, Terrorism, Judaism, the Isaiah 19 Highway and the other issues mentioned below,” said Canon White.

The course will be taught by a variety of outstanding speakers from a variety of backgrounds. “You are very much encouraged to sign up for this course. There are limited places available and it will be based on a first-come, first-service basis,” he said.

Jerusalem

Canon White explained that The Jerusalem School of Reconciliation Studies is designed as a forum for introducing people to the radical complexities of reconciliation at an international level. “The course is based in Jerusalem and includes the opportunity to enter into the nature of a life lived in many a conflict.”

“The course will provide the opportunity to engage with many who have been involved in the complexities of the Middle East conflict in Israel and the West Bank. It will include visits to places such as Hebron, Bethlehem and Jericho as well as much of Jerusalem,” he said.

Canon White stated: “The visit that we are recommending is not a pilgrimage or tour of the Land of the Holy One, though it will provide opportunities to encounter people and places never seen on the normal tour or pilgrimage. This is an opportunity to seriously encounter issues of conflict and reconciliation.”

The course will include the following subjects: *What is Conflict in the Middle East? *The Cause of Terrorism *The Trauma of Loss  *The 3 R’s of Christian Understanding of Israel: Replacement Theology, Remnant Theology and Recognition Theology. *The Isaiah 19 Highway  *The Dangers of Replacement Theology *G-d’s Eternal Covenant with Israel  *Called to love both Jews and Arabs, Isaac and Ishmael  *Reunited in Abraham’s Death *Introductions to the nature of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the Middle East …And much more.

The cost is not yet established but it will be in the region of £1,000GBP for a two-week residential course, and a diploma will be awarded at the end of the course. Each participant will be responsible for arranging their own travel to Jerusalem.

If you would like further information or are interested in participating in the course please contact Lesley, Canon White’s personal assistant, lesley@frrme.org.

Caption: Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives