Jerusalem, Cyprus and Middle East

The Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, part of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, covers a vast and geographically diverse region that includes Cyprus, the Gulf States, Iraq, and Yemen. This unique diocese spans both Europe and Asia, encompassing countries with distinct cultural, political and economic contexts.  

Cyprus is known for its rich Christian heritage and relatively high standard of living, with the Gulf States, including nations such as Bahrain, Qatar, parts of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, also home to many Anglican congregations. The Gulf region is largely wealthy, with oil-rich economies, modern infrastructure and large expatriate populations. Further east, Iraq and Yemen face significant socioeconomic challenges, including political instability, conflict, and widespread humanitarian crises. These nations are among the poorest and most volatile in the region, where communities often struggle with displacement, poverty, and limited access to basic services. 

The Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf operates within this complex and varied landscape, providing pastoral care, worship, and outreach across very different contexts. Whilst there are currently no formal Mothers’ Union groups, we see members remaining actively engaged in their communities and recent growth in numbers. In Bahrain, new members have recently joined from the Tamil congregation, marking a positive step forward for the movement in the region.  

Across the diocese, members are also involved in raising awareness around women’s empowerment through talks and church-based engagement, laying the foundation for future Mothers’ Union development in this part of the world.