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Press release contact: Beth Nelson Chase [email protected] or 815-‐315-‐0682
ANNOUNCEMENT: January 14, 2017 Leading Palestinian Pastor, Theologian and Author, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb Focusing on Peace-‐Making Work Bright Stars of Bethlehem President, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, has removed his name from consideration to be Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). Raheb said, “After much discernment and prayer, I have decided to focus all of my efforts on our vision and mission for Bright Stars of Bethlehem.” Raheb is a world-‐renowned champion for peace. He has been ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran church since 1987 and has been serving since as Pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine. In addition to his role as President of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, Raheb served from 2011 through 2016 as President of the ELCJHL synod. Raheb is also Founder and President of the Diyar Consortium and Dar al-‐Kalima University College. Raheb has received a number of international awards including the 2016 Olof Palme Prize, the 2012 German Media Award (given usually to heads of states), the Lux Mundo Award, the 2007 Peace Award of Aachen, a 2003 Honorary Doctorate from Concordia University -‐ River Forest, the 2003 Luther Center Wittenberg Award and many more. Widely regarded as the most prolific Palestinian theologian of our times, Raheb has also written numerous books and articles. His book “Faith in the Face of Empire” is a best seller and his newest co-‐authored book on “The Cross in Contexts” will be released by April 2, 2017. He has also been deeply engaged in a wide range of research projects focused on Christianity in the Middle East. Raheb has received global media attention from outlets and networks to include CNN, ABC, CBS BBC, The Economist, Newsweek, Vanity Fair and more. Raheb is married and has two grown daughters. Bright Stars of Bethlehem is a U.S. 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes and spreads the word about the many outreach ministries of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem to build hope and a brighter future for the people of Palestine through the Diyar Consortium. The ministries include Dar al-‐Kalima University College, the Diyar Academy for Children and Youth and the Ajyal Seniors Program. These programs equip
community members of all ages to assume a proactive role in shaping a brighter future and bringing hope to the Holy Land. For more information about Bright Stars of Bethlehem, visit brightstarsbethlehem.org, or e-‐mail [email protected]. For more information about Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, visit www.mitriraheb.org.
