Well-wishers fill the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem as a new bishop is consecrated and installed
The Rev. Dr. Imad Haddad is the fifth Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
JERUSALEM — With pageantry, plenty of color and reverence, the Rev. Dr. Imad Haddad was consecrated and installed Sunday as the fifth Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land in a packed Church of the Redeemer in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Executive Director of the Unified Agency, was part of a long clergy processional that accompanied Haddad and his predecessor, Emeritus Bishop Dr. Sani Ibrahim Azar, down the center aisle of the historic church, which houses congregations that worship in Arabic, German, Danish and English. Much of Sunday’s service was in Arabic, including Haddad’s sermon, for which a translation was provided.
The diversity of those in worship was apparent early on. The Rev. Ashraf Tannous read every other verse in Psalm 89:1-16, and those in attendance responded with even-numbered verses read in their own language. The result was a beautiful cacophony.
The Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, an author and theologian, helped those in attendance confess their sins and to pray. Fuad Dagher, Archdeacon of Israel and Palestine in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, contributed two lovely musical offerings, including “Make Me A Channel of Your Peace,” accompanying himself on the guitar.
Other scriptures read during Sunday’s service included Romans 12:1-8 and Matthew 3:13-17. Twenty-three faith leaders each read a brief scripture passage on what God’s Word teaches people of faith about the office of bishop.
Among them: Acts 20:28, “Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God,” and Micah 6:8, the verse that Haddad has chosen to help guide his time in office: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”
Before Haddad preached his sermon, Azar had a message as well, expressing thanks to His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which “continues to stand as a distinguished model of religious diversity, interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence — an example that inspires our region and the wider world.”
“We further extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to our international partners and companions in ministry who have joined us from around the world on this significant day,” Azar said. “Your presence is a visible sign of communion, solidarity and shared commitment.”
At the beginning of his reflection, Haddad gave thanks to God “who looked upon my weakness and strengthened me to be God’s servant to be sent among God’s sons and daughters whom God loves.” Among his tasks as bishop is “to hear the voice of their groaning and carry it heavenward until it becomes a song of comfort and praise as I follow in the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the injustices that plague our land,” he said, “nor can we forget the pain and sorrow carried in the hearts of all who have suffered and still suffer as a result of human cruelty, hatred and rejection of one another.”
The political maps “that shape our world … do not promise us anything better,” Haddad said. “Yet, in spite of all this, we remain convinced that it is precisely in these dark circumstances that we are called to live in righteousness and holiness. Like John the Baptist, we are sent to call for repentance and prepare the way of the Lord.”
Whether on the societal level or within the life of the church, “we are in great need of renewal — to hear again God’s call to be a light reflecting the light of Christ, a voice renewing God’s covenant with humanity — the covenant of love, reconciliation, life and hope,” he said.
During the ceremony, Haddad received some of the accoutrements of his office, including a pectoral cross, cope and mitre, as well as a ring and a Bible. Prayers were offered in nine languages. Those in the church gave the new bishop a loud ovation as part of a joyous service that lasted nearly three hours.
After those present had received Holy Communion, Haddad offered this blessing: “Let this be for the strengthening of your faith, comfort for your consciences, and assurance of forgiveness of your sins. Having received the body and blood of the Lord, go in peace, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
A reception immediately followed the service.
More on the role of the Bishop
According to the Constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, a bishop serves as the shepherd of the church, having primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and sacrament and providing pastoral care and leadership for the church, its congregations and ordained ministers, and its other leaders.
The bishop must be a visionary leader, called to interpret and advocate the mission and theology of the whole church. The bishop is also a symbol of unity, serving as the church’s chief ecumenical officer.
“As such, [Sunday] is a day for prayer and celebration,” the church wrote in a 20-page program outlining the service. “We thank you for your partnership in God’s mission, for joining us today as we share in God’s gift of life and salvation in the Holy Eucharist and, through the laying on of hands and prayer, consecrate our brother Imad Haddad to this office of oversight and install him as the fifth Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.”
Check back with pcusa.org throughout the week for continued reporting from Israel-Palestine and from Jordan.
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