A Charles Sturt University (CSU) theologian has been appointed to dual leadership roles in Jerusalem.

Reverend Dr Gregory Jenks (pictured), senior lecturer in the CSU School of Theology and the outgoing Academic Dean of St Francis' Theological College in Brisbane, has been appointed as Dean of St George's College and a Canon of St George's Cathedral in Jerusalem. The appointment was announced by the Most Reverend Suheil Dawani, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

Dr Jenks is the first Australian appointed to this position and begins his role at the start of November. His academic interests include theological archaeology and the socio-political history of the Holy Land. He has been a regular visitor to the region over many years, and is a co-director of the Bethsaida Archeological Site on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

"The Christian community in the Middle East is vital to the long-term future of the region," Dr Jenks said. "While in a weak and vulnerable situation right now, Christians have been part of the local culture for 2 000 years.

"Christianity started in Palestine and spread to Egypt, Syria, and Turkey, before taking root in Europe. As a minority found in almost every country in the Middle East, Christians have an important stake in secular and democratic political processes. They can be a catalyst for non-violent change that is good for every community. Christians help to strengthen the moderate centre."

St George's College is part of the Anglican compound in Jerusalem which comprises the Cathedral, the College, a pilgrim guest house, and a K-12 school. It welcomes people from many parts of the Anglican Communion, and provides short-term hospitality, fellowship and education opportunities for Anglican pilgrims from around the world.

Dr Jenks said it is an immense privilege to be entrusted with a leadership role at St George's College, and an added bonus to work with the College staff, some of whom he has known for many years.

"St George's College is a place where people are transformed," he said. "I have seen that in my own life, and in the lives of students I have brought to the College. The diversity of the pilgrims who visit is partly what makes the College so transformative. The community we form during a course at the College can be the beginning of lifelong partnerships between our alumni, and with the College."

The College offers short-term courses on the Bible in the context of the land. The courses are based at the College but may include travel to a number of sites in Israel and Palestine, as well as Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey.

"The opportunity to visit places associated with the gospel stories of Jesus has been a life-changing experience for many who have undertaken these courses," Dr Jenks said.

More information about the St George's College courses available in 2016.

Dr Jenks will remain an adjunct lecturer with CSU during his appointments in Jerusalem.