Episcopal Press and News

Anglican Archbishop Reports on Jerusalem Work

Diocesan Press Service. August 8, 1969 [78-3]

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem describes himself as being in a unique position in the war-torn Middle East. His see city, Jerusalem, is part of Israel, yet his Archdiocese encompasses all of the surrounding Arab countries. He has ready access to the President of Israel or the King of Jordan and can travel freely throughout the area.

The Most Rev. George Appleton, who assumed his position in early 1969, reports that he has begun to take advantage of the opportunities afforded him in his new role.

At an informal press briefing during a recent five-day stay in New York City, this one man "peace mission" for the Middle East told of some of the things he has sought to do in the interest of trying to ease the Middle East conflict.

"I have paid visits to Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt, tried to draw out from friends in the Israeli government and friendly Arab leaders their understanding and hopes about the situation. I have listened to hundreds of people and engaged in vigorous argument. I have read everything I could find dealing with the problems. I have had the privilege of an audience with King Hussein and with the President of Israel."

Amidst fears on both sides of the borders, there are a few glimmers of hope, according to the Archbishop. While Arabs generally refuse to define their conditions for peace, the feeling is expressed that if Israel took back a percentage of-the Arab refugees, if Israel retired even a mile from the cease fire line, something might happen, he said.

He also said that some Israelis Are advocating such a return of Arab refugees.

The fears on both sides are great, however, and the Archbishop admitted that he had been "wondering if the problem will not be solved outside the Middle East. " He was quick to emphasize that he was not referring to a dictated solution by the Big Powers.

He explained that Arabs fear an expansionist Israel. They believe that world Jewry will immigrate to Israel and that Israel will try to obtain more land. At the same time, Israelis fear genocide. Both sides have historical grounds on which to base their case, he said.

The 65-year-old Archbishop extended his task of peace-maker while in New York by conferring with the Ambassadors of Jordan and Lebanon and with the Israeli Consul General. He also conferred with the overseas staffs of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church and the National Council of Churches.