Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf
The Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf is the largest diocese in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East: 12 times larger than the Diocese of Jerusalem, and twice the size of the Diocese of Iran. It includes Cyprus, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen.
After the Diocese of Europe, Cyprus and the Gulf is the second largest Anglican diocese in the world. In terms of landmass, it covers half of the Middle East and is 15 times larger than the UK.
The Diocese is constituted of Anglican Churches in 10 countries or jurisdictions, 9 of which are Muslim-majority, and 8 which operate under Sharia law. In every country or jurisdiction, Anglicans are guests and as such they have no right to practise their faith. They do so by gracious invitation. So, the context for the Diocese is complex, vast, and often politically volatile.
Today, less than 5% of the people of the Diocese are from Europe or the West. 70% are from the Indian Subcontinent, 13% are from Southeast Asia, and 8% are from Africa. Present estimates suggest that there are between 3 and 4 million Christians in the Gulf. The Diocese bears witness to a reality so often hidden in the world – a flourishing international Christian presence in the countries of the Middle East.
As Bishop Sean of Cyprus and the Gulf has said: “Parishes are gloriously international, offering something incredibly rare and precious to the Anglican Communion and the wider world that counters disinformation about the Middle East and divisive rhetoric. It is possible to have positive interfaith and ecumenical relationships; it is possible for parishes to have 58 different nationalities worshipping in them all at one time”.
Christian Mission in this Diocese is expressed through behaviour, with daily lives demonstrating Christian faith and values. Churches in the Diocese work at gathering and connecting people. Anglicanism fits surprising well into the religious landscape of the Middle East. Anglicans are often able to be dedicated and respected interlocutors between Eastern and Western Christian Traditions, and between Islam and Christianity.
In 2026 the Diocese marked the 50th anniversary of its creation. No other Diocese offers a context in which such theological and cultural diversity can be encountered, and so the Exeter link with the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf has the potential to be a blessing and a gift.
Relationships between the Bishops are strong. In May 2023 Bishop James of Plymouth led a small group from Exeter on a visit to Bahrain. Bishop Sean attended the installation of Bishop Mike of Exeter in November 2024, and Bishop Mike spent a week in Cyprus in October 2025, to be followed by a visit to the Gulf. Bishop Moira of Crediton also spent 4 days at the Diocesan Synod in February 2026.
Both dioceses highlight prayer and service of others, and in practical areas, much of the work of an Anglican Diocese overlaps with regard to safeguarding, communication, ministry training and development, giving opportunities for learning from each other.
For the future, there are plans to encourage biblical pilgrimages and also to promote short exchange visits by clergy to experience ministry in diverse contexts, including different settings for ecumenical and interfaith engagement.
Contact
If you would like to find out more about the continuing link with the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, please contact:
Anne Futcher – click here to email Anne
Christopher Futcher – click here to email Christopher
