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A new member of Bahrain’s Christian community, who is studying the relationships between religions, believes that the kingdom is the ‘model’ for peace in a troubled world.
Curate Jon Lavelle, who was recently ordained as a deacon at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manama, will be conducting sermons, providing pastoral care and leading study groups for the coming two years.
The 48-year-old American, from Juffair, will be training under the Very Reverend Christopher Butt, Dean of St Christopher’s Cathedral, and will assist in leading services and helping to conduct weddings in the kingdom.
He said: “I love Bahrain. It is at the crossroads of the world and is a diverse and friendly community. All of the people are friendly, polite and respectful. One can still experience traditional, Arab culture here.”
While studying at the St Michael’s Theological College and Cardiff University in Wales, Jon focused on inter-faith dialogue between Muslims and Christians for his Master’s thesis, studying the relationship of the communities in the US and the UK.
He also offered spiritual guidance to prisoners in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, alongside both the Christian chaplain and the Muslim scholar.
He said: “I have a lot of experience living and engaging in dialogue in an inter-faith context. Once I settle in, I hope to pursue these areas of service by studying the Quran with Muslims as a form of interfaith dialogue.
“While there is so much conflict in the world today, I believe that Bahrain is a model for peace and mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.
“We need to get this good news out to the rest of the world. I often give sermons on this topic when I am back in the US, Canada and the UK. The people there are happy to hear how the royal families of Bahrain and other GCC nations are so supportive of the Christian churches.”
He said it was a great honour and privilege to be ordained to the Christian ministry here in Bahrain.
“Bahrain is in the Anglican Province of Jerusalem which has special significance for Christians since it is the birthplace of Jesus. Thanks to the long support of Christian churches from the Royal Family of Bahrain and His Majesty King Hamad today, Bahrain has a vibrant Christian community.
“The Muslim community’s deep faith in God is an inspiration to me every day. I am thankful to hear the call to prayer and see so many devout Muslims praying daily.”
Jon, originally from Buffalo, New York, first travelled to the Gulf in 1993 where he taught English at the College of Technology in Abha, Saudi Arabia.
He then moved to the UAE to teach English as a second language at United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain with his wife, Karen, 47, a lecturer, and their two children.
In 1996, Jon and Karen taught English as a second language at Zayed University, in Abu Dhabi, where their son John, 21, and daughter Carol, 19, grew up and completed their schooling.
Now John and Carol are furthering their education and studying at the State University of New York. Karen is still lecturing at Zayed University and will be joining Jon in Bahrain later and plans to continue her teaching career.
During Jon’s time in Abu Dhabi, he was also a member of St Andrew’s Anglican Church, served on the Church Council, assisted the ministry team and participated in the Lay Readers/Christian Leadership training programme for two years.
His current pastoral and theological interests are in group studies of scripture, liturgy and worship, spiritual retreat and congregational outreach to the community.
In 2013, Jon moved to Wales, for his Theological Studies and is thrilled to be back in the region, particularly Bahrain, to complete his studies as well as training.
He said: “I am very grateful and blessed to be completing my training and serving the Christian community here in Bahrain. I would like to thank everyone for their support of our Christian churches and thank them for the warm welcome I have received here.”
For more information, visit www.stchcathedral.org
