Christ Church Jebel Ali marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf over the weekend, welcoming Bishop Sean for two services of thanksgiving.

The anniversary theme—Faithful People, Vibrant Communities, A Hope-Filled Future—found expression in the hundreds that gathered in celebration over the weekend, with representatives of guest congregations joining the service on Saturday, followed by an even larger celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday.

“Our Anglican presence in places where interfaith, ecumenical and multicultural encounter is an everyday occurrence challenges, moulds and enriches our lives, beliefs and spirituality,” Bishop Sean said in his Sunday sermon. “In turn the faith, experience and culture we bring from our countries of origin, enlightened by the love and grace of Christ, blesses and enriches our churches and those we encounter.  

“Today’s celebration is not about a number, even a significant number like fifty years. It is rather our offering of praise and gratitude to God for his ongoing blessing, nurture and protection of this Anglican diocese.

“Here, we see the generous hospitality and ministry to Christians from around the globe,” said Bishop Sean. “Here, the Spirit of God continues to call people to follow Christ. Here, the witness of our everyday lives brings the ‘light and salt’ of Christ to the community.  

“In this Jubilee Year, may God’s abundant goodness bless our Diocese, its parishes and people, that we may be his blessing to these lands we now call home.”

Following Sunday’s Eucharist, Bishop Sean and the Reverend Jim Young cut an anniversary cake, amidst fellowship, laughter and conversation—a chance to reconnect with friends and to welcome newcomers.

“Bishop Sean’s presence served as a reminder that our parish belongs to a wider family of faith,” says Fr Jim. “In a community where people regularly arrive and depart, belonging matters. Our time here may be brief, or it may stretch over decades. But these years can profoundly shape our faith, our service and the people we become.

“Giving thanks for fifty years also invites us to ask what comes next. What kind of Church is the Spirit forming here for the next generation? How can our congregations help people follow Jesus in the circumstances of their daily lives—and carry that faith wherever they go?”

There will be an opportunity to reflect more deeply on these questions later this month, when Christ Church Jebel Ali hosts Anglicans Ablaze Middle East, on 23–25 October. The gathering, which will be opened by Bishop Sean, has as its theme ‘Dusty Sandals. Deep Faith’, seeking to explore what it means to follow Jesus, become the Church and be sent into God’s future.

“We give thanks for those whose faith and service have brought our Diocese to this anniversary,” says Fr Jim. “We honour their witness by taking up our own calling: to follow Christ faithfully in the place and time entrusted to us.”

Click here to watch the Christ Church Jebel Ali anniversary video