Council of Christians and Jews’ director to step down

The director of the Council of Christians and Jews is stepping down after six years at the helm.

Elizabeth Harris-Sawczenko made the announcement on Tuesday, saying her time with the organisation has “been some of the most rewarding in my career”.

The interfaith activist, who took over in 2014, said she has “given every ounce of my passion, energy and skills” to bring Jewish and Christian communities together.

“Organisations, like people, need to grow and change and I am pleased that a new Director can now take CCJ forward from a solid foundation for the next generation”, she added.

“As a Jewish person, I’ve developed deep and lasting relationships with both Jewish and Christian stakeholders, some of whom Ive travelled or run programmes with and many of whom are now dear friends. This is the greatest gift of all.”

During her time as director, Harris-Sawczenko met Her Majesty the Queen at an interfaith reception in January 2019.

The organisation was pivotal in campaigning on issues including ending modern slavery, fighting faith-based antisemitism and promoting coexistence in Israel-Palestine.

Bishop Michael Ipgrave, Chair of Trustees at the Council of Christians and Jews said: “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Elizabeth for the energy, vision and commitment that she has brought to CCJ over the past six years, working tirelessly for the cause of Christian-Jewish relations which is so close to her heart, and building our profile as one of the UK’s leading inter faith organisations. With my fellow trustees, I wish her every blessing in the next stage of her life, and I am glad to know that we can continue to count on her support. Further information about arrangements for the future leadership of CCJ will follow in due course.”

She will be leaving her post in September, while remaining as a consultant until the end of the year to aid transition.