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Matching grant challenge to support ministries of Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

November 2, 2023
Office of Public Affairs

UPDATE (12.5.23): This release was revised to reflect a deadline extension to Dec. 31.

The United Thank Offering—in partnership with the Good Friday Offering—will match up to $100,000 of donations given through Dec. 31 to help sustain outreach ministries in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which operates across several countries or territories and includes churches, schools, medical facilities, and other ministries.

United Thank Offering has supported the diocese with over $1 million in grants since 1973, thanks to the generosity of Episcopalians everywhere,” said UTO Board President Sherri Dietrich. “We know people want to help those projects continue their work through and after the current heartbreaking conflict; this challenge grant will allow us all to make a powerful contribution to those impacted by this conflict.”

Matched donations to the United Thank Offering will be given in 2024 as a grant to the diocese to disburse where the needs are greatest.

The impact of the conflict in the region is “grave,” impacting the diocese’s guesthouses, medical centers, training centers, schools, and more, noted Sawsan Arani-Batato, programs development officer. “Sustaining our institutions is an urgent need for the diocese, and this initiative responds directly to this need.”

The Good Friday Offering of The Episcopal Church has been funding work in the region for more than 100 years. “It is a privilege and honor to partner with the United Thank Offering in continuing our joint history of caring, loving, and supporting the needs of the people of God,” said Archdeacon Paul Feheley, Middle East partnership officer for The Episcopal Church.

Learn more about the challenge grant.