Embrace the Middle East is delighted to announce that The Right Revd Rachel Treweek, the Bishop of Gloucester, has joined the charity as its newest Patron.

A trailblazer in the Church of England, Bishop Rachel made history in 2015 when she was consecrated as the 41st Bishop of Gloucester, becoming the first female diocesan bishop and the first female bishop to sit in the House of Lords.

With a lifelong commitment to social justice and gender equality, Bishop Rachel brings a wealth of experience and passion to Embrace the Middle East’s mission of partnering with Middle Eastern Christians to tackle poverty and injustice in the region. Her advocacy for vulnerable women and girls, particularly through her nationally recognised campaigns #Liedentity and Fighting for Women’s Justice, aligns closely with Embrace’s commitment to dignity and hope for communities affected by conflict, oppression, and inequality. A commitment Bishop Rachel has seen for herself when visiting Embrace’s partners who work with vulnerable and marginalised women and children in Egypt, Israel and Palestine.

Bishop Rachel’s extensive leadership experience spans both the Church and public life. In addition to her role in the House of Lords, where she serves as the Anglican Bishop for HM Prisons in England and Wales, she is actively engaged in a range of voluntary and statutory organisations, including serving as President of the Nelson Trust and as a Patron of the Prison Fellowship and The Welcome Directory. Prior to ordination, she trained as a Speech and Language Therapist at Reading University and worked in the NHS, developing a strong foundation in supporting vulnerable individuals and advocating for those in need.

Jamie Eyre, CEO of Embrace the Middle East, shared:

“We are thrilled to welcome Bishop Rachel as a Patron of Embrace the Middle East. Her dedication to justice, dignity, and advocacy for the marginalised aligns perfectly with our mission. At a time when our partners in the Middle East face immense challenges, Bishop Rachel’s voice and leadership will be a tremendous asset in championing their work and raising awareness of the urgent needs in the region.”

John Mitchell OBE, Chair of Trustees for Embrace the Middle East, added: “Bishop Rachel’s commitment to social justice and her deep-rooted faith make her an ideal Patron for Embrace the Middle East. Her leadership in the Church of England and her advocacy for women’s justice are truly inspiring, and we look forward to working with her to support the vital work of our partners across the Middle East.”

Commenting on her new role, Bishop Rachel said: “The vision, ethos and work of Embrace is something I have supported and been inspired by for many years as I have sought to engage with some of the hopes and fears of people in the Middle East. I could not be more delighted in now accepting the invitation to become a patron.”