Diocese of Jerusalem

[Rt. Rev. Riah H. Abu E-Assal, B.D.D.D]

[As transcribed by Louie Crew from the hard copy on the diocesan
letterhead.]

September 8, 2001

Dear Rev. Crew, [N.B. Louie Crew is not a priest]

Salaam and Grace in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ and blessed
greetings from Jerusalem.  I hope that this letter finds you well.

Thank your for your letter of August 29th, offering y our services in
assisting with a dialogue regarding lesbians and gays in the Land of the
Holy One.  I regret that at the present, I must decline your generous
offer.  The issue of homosexuality is not one that has been identified as
a priority at present, either by the local community or the Diocese of
Jerusalem.  I will certainly keep you in mind as a valuable resource, were
this situation to change.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the people of the Diocese of
Jerusalem.  Know that this comes with my prayers and best wishes.

In Christ

[signed]
+The Rt. Rev. Riah Abu El-Assal