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Middle East Council
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General Introduction The 9th General Assembly culminated the programmatic year of the Middle East Council of Churches. The Assembly was held in Paphos – Cyprus (26 – 30 November) under the theme “So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Cor. 5:20) and gathered many Heads of Churches, delegates of MECC member churches, guests and staff. The Assembly re-elected Mr. Guirgis Saleh as General Secretary for a second term and elected four Presidents: His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy Apostolic Armenian Orthodox Church of Cilicia (representing the Oriental Orthodox family of Churches), His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem & the Holy Land (representing the Orthodox family of Churches), His Eminence Archbishop Boulos Matar, Archbishop of the Maronite Church in Beirut (representing the Catholic family of Churches), Rev. Dr. Safwat el-Bayadi, President of the Evangelical Synod of Nile (representing the Evangelical family of Churches). The Assembly nominated also the twenty-four Executive Committee members who will meet for the first time, during the first week of March 2008. The Assembly reviewed the work of MECC and its activities during the last quadrennial, discussed in length the MECC restructuring, and set its work priorities for the next four years.
The Assembly convened at a time when churches were facing a variety of challenges resulting from the overall political turbulences in the Middle East region. In Iraq, the daily explosions continue to kill hundreds of innocent people. The Iraqis, who were forced to flee their country, face humiliation and sufferings in the neighboring countries. In Lebanon, the political disputes and the disagreements between the different political parties have resulted into a Presidential vacuum. The lack of security and the economic recession increased lead to poverty rates and a growing emigration wave. Lately, in Gaza the Israeli siege on the Palestinians has resulted in the starvation of a whole population due to severe shortage of food, electricity and gasoline, and ultimately extreme poverty amongst the people. Many regional and international actors have contributed to this state of instability, driven by their own political interests. The international community has remained silent while human rights violations, occupations, wars, human siege, blood shed, suffering and violence continue. In the midst of this turmoil, the Churches reaffirmed their vows to maintain the presence of Christians in the region, to continue their ministry and witness to the people of the region. They reiterated their commitment to interfaith dialogue as the sole means to overcome violence, extremism and to achieve peace with justice.
During the last quadrennial, the MECC has issued several statements in response to different political situations in the region and called for reconciliation, solidarity and peace with justice. Some churches in Iraq were targeted with bombs, clergymen were assassinated, and civilians were killed indiscrimination. Despite all that, the MECC and its member churches continued to advocate for non-violence and to expose the human suffering regardless of religious affiliation.
During the last year, the MECC continued its Christian witness as the only ecumenical organization of the fellowship of churches in the Middle East. It responded to the emergency relief situation to Iraqis in their countries of displacement (Syria, Jordan and Lebanon as well as inside Iraq, through several appeals for aid. Emergency relief in Lebanon through the Inter-Church Network for Development & Rehabilitation (ICNDR) targeted the Palestinian population in the Nahr el-Bared Camp. The Department on Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) continued its efforts to support Palestinians in their homeland as well as in countries of refuge (Lebanon and Jordan)
In addition, the MECC sustained its ecumenical activities through its different Units, departments and programs of Units on Faith & Unity, on Education & Renewal, on Life & Service, the Justice, Peace & Human Rights and Christian-Muslim Dialogue Programs, the Communication Department, the International Ecumenical Relations, and International Visitors program. The Council’s new structure, which was discussed thoroughly at the Assembly, will be revised and approved in the upcoming Executive Committee meeting (March 2008), in order to respond efficiently to the real needs of the churches and the ecumenical movement.
In conclusion, the MECC is needed more than ever as an ecumenical forum that responds to the needs of the churches, supports the presence of the Christian communities and builds bridges between the Middle East region and the churches and ecumenical partners in the west. MECC ACTIVITIESThe following is a summary of the activities and achievements of the MECC from January to December 2007.
I- General Secretariat The MECC General Secretariat has overseen all the programs and activities of the MECC in the different countries of the region. The General Secretary continued his regular meetings and consultations with the Presidents of the Council, and Heads of Churches in the region on the work of the Council. He attended several regional and international conferences and meetings, established connections with churches in the West, and maintained unique relationships with Muslim religious leaders and government officials in the different countries of the region. The General Secretary resided in Beirut – Lebanon, but often traveled to different countries to oversee the work and follow up on activities that are directly related to the General Secretariat. The General Secretary has followed up on MECC reports, as well as regional and world churches’ news, communicating with partners on issues related to the MECC work.
The General Secretary had many significant meetings and conferences, which he either attended or presented a paper in it. One of his tasks is to prepare for the Executive Committee meetings, call for it, and present a report. The General Secretary also welcomed many church delegations from the West. The General Secretariat issued several statements on different occasions.
The following are the records of the activities which the General Secretary carried-out through 2007: GS-1) MECC General Secretary Attended Annual WCC & REO General Secretaries’ Meeting in Geneva. The Regional Ecumenical Organizations’ meeting held from January 22-23, 2007 at the Ecumenical Center in Geneva, brought together General Secretaries of both Regional and National Councils of Churches worldwide, to discuss ways and means of strengthening their relations and of facing challenges with the WCC, within the framework of the new structure adopted by the Porto Allegre WCC General Assembly. MECC General Secretary, Mr. Guirgis Saleh who attended the meeting, contributed with a report on the current situation in the Middle East; the challenges faced by the MECC; issues of concern and interest; MECC position, activities and visibility in the region; its relations with other ecumenical organizations and place in the ecumenical movement. GS-2) MECC Partners Visit the Region A three-member NCA staff delegation visited Lebanon from February 15 to 19, before proceeding to Egypt and Amman. NCA colleagues visited the MECC offices where they met with the General Secretary and senior staff before proceeding to the South of Lebanon to follow up on NCA/ACT emergency projects there. GS-3) MECC Executive Committee Met in Cairo, Egypt The MECC Executive Committee met on March 1&2, 2007 in Mar Morcos Conference Center, Cairo, hosted by H.H. Pope Shenouda III. On the agenda: the approval of previous meeting minutes; MECC General Secretary's report of activities; financial report, the forthcoming MECC 9th General Assembly; a proposed plan for future MECC structure and programs; a proposal for a new structure of ICNDR program in Lebanon; the situation in the region in general and in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine in particular. GS-4) MECC Ad-hoc Committee Works on MECC Future Structure for Upcoming 9th General Assembly The ad-hoc committee of 4 appointed by the Executive Committee meeting held on March 12-13, to review and amend the proposed draft structure based on the comments and suggestions of the Executive Committee meeting. The MECC General Secretary and Associates attended the meeting. The meeting came out with an amended organizational chart that was submitted to the MECC Presidents for approval before its circulation to all member churches, in preparation for the 9th General Assembly. GS-5) General Secretary Attended the Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in Syria (April 19 -21, 2007) GS-6) MECC General Secretary Addressed the Heads of Catholic Churches in Egypt The MECC General Secretary addressed the Heads of Catholic churches in their annual meeting in Egypt on 18 April. In his paper, the GS talked about the history and the work of the MECC in the region. He focused on the role of MECC in bringing churches into theological dialogue and cooperation on common issues. He also suggested some principles for the continuation of the ecumenical work such as: listening to the opinion of other, differentiating between theological expressions and theological differences between churches, ecumenism is openness rather than compromises, and finally educating the new generation on unity of churches. The GS concluded his intervention with some steps to overcome the difficulties of dialogue between churches. GS-7) General Secretary Met with the Higher Imam of Azhar Aiming at sustaining the Christian – Muslim dialogue and empowering the relationships of MECC with Muslim leadership in the Middle East, the general Secretary visited on May14th the Higher Imam of Azhar Mosque (HE Sheikh Dr Muhamad Said Tantawi). The meeting tackled the preparations for the third joint conference of MECC & the Higher International Islamic Forum (HIIF), as well as the visit of the ecumenical church leaders of Germany to Egypt and Lebanon. It is worth mentioning that the Higher Imam of Azhar is the President of the (HIIF). GS-8) MECC General Secretary Inaugurated an Exhibition of Icons On its 17th year memorial of its establishment and on the occasion of the Month of the Lady in the Catholic churches, the “Tele Lumiere – Nour Sat” satellite TV organized on 21st of May an exhibition of the Icons of the Lady under the name “This is Your Mother”. The MECC General Secretary inaugurated the exhibition and congratulated the leaders of the “Tele Lumiere” by saying that the “Tele Lumiere is an important Christian Arabic TV channel which proclaims the message of love, peace and justice to all people in the Middle East and abroad. It enforces the Christian presence in the ME and the coexistence”. Other speakers on this occasion stressed the importance of such world icons exhibition in proclaiming the Good News. GS-9) MECC Presidents Met at Anba Ruweis – Cairo At the invitation of H.H Pope Shenouda III, Presidents of MECC and SCAF committee met at the Papal Residency in Anba Ruweis – Cairo (21 June). MECC General Secretary reported on the latest development and action taken by the Council including the preparations for the Assembly, the partners’ meeting, the latest relief appeal for the Palestinians in Lebanon and other related issues. Pope Shenouda thanked the GS on his endeavors in maintaining the role of MECC in the region. GS-10) General Secretary addressed the WCC in its International Peace Conference in the Middle East Representatives of Christian churches and church related organizations all over the world met in Amman - Jordan (17-21 June 2007) at the call of the World Council of Churches to launch the “Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum”. The conference convened to mark the 40th years of Israel occupation to Palestine. The General Secretary addressed the conference at the opening session by confirming the stands of MECC of “supporting the calls of the Heads of Churches in Palestine for peace and justice, defending the right of Palestinians of self-determination, and the right of refugees return”. The General Secretary expressed the MECC “deep concern about the situation of Christians in the Holy Land and urges the world to contribute effectively towards the implementation of UN resolutions which may bring peace to the Middle East region. GS-11) MECC General Secretary Visited the Archbishop of Cyprus On 1st of June, the MECC General Secretary visited H.B Archbishop Chrystophoros II, Head of the Church of Cyprus and extended an invitation to His Beatitude for the MECC 9thGeneral Assembly that took place in Cyprus, November 2007. His Beatitude welcomed the Assembly and gave support in providing all possible facilities. GS-12) General Secretary Participated at SAT 7 meeting The MECC General Secretary participated at the General board of SAT 7 Satellite Christian TV channels that took place in Cyprus on June 1st. The GS is a member on the Board of SAT 7. This Christian satellite TV channel is one among other channels that broadcast ecumenical activities related to MECC. GS-13) General Secretary Lectured on Ecumenical Relations At the invitation of H.E Bishop Mounir Hanna, Head of the Anglican Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, the MECC General Secretary lectured in Cairo (8 June) on the “Ecumenical Relations between Churches in the Middle East”. He referred to the theological dialogues between churches on both global and regional levels.
GS-14) General Secretary participated in the historical visit of the Archbishop of Cyprus to Egypt GS-15) General Secretary addressed the 3rd European Ecumenical Assembly – Romania In Sibiu – Romania, the European Ecumenical Assembly held its third Assembly (5 – 9 September), under the theme: “The light of Christ Shines upon All. Hope for Renewal & Unity in Europe”. The goal of the Assembly was to celebrate and bear witness to the discipleship of Jesus Christ, deepen the knowledge and appreciation of the diverse spiritual traditions in Europe, and reinforce and broaden the European ecumenical network. The MECC General Secretary Mr. Guirgis Saleh delivered two messages during the Assembly in which he touched on the issues of peace in the Middle East region, violence, security, dialogue and long-lasting conflicts, Christian-Muslim dialogue as well as the ecumenical efforts of MECC is advocating for peace and human rights. Speaking about conflicts, Mr. Saleh challenged the Assembly by saying: “…the longer the conflicts and insecurities ferment unaddressed, the greater the sense of injustice and humiliation will prevail”. He reminded the Assembly that: “dialogue should be based on common humanitarian principles and mutual respect, and the goal of it is to preserve and celebrate the differences as sources of strength and wealth”. He added that: “we need in the Middle East to take steps in favor of human rights and religious freedom”. The MECC took “a sharp decision to spare a wider space for advocacy on human rights and Christian presence”. GS-16) MECC Statement on Muslim Ramadan Month of Fasting The General Secretary issued on 12th of September a statement in which he congratulated the Islamic World on the month of Ramadan, the month of feast and blessings. The statement stresses on the values of tolerance, love, spirituality, charity and coexistence. The statement congratulated the Islamic and the Arab World and hoped for “peace in the Middle East and in the world”. Another statement was issued after the fasting month of Ramadan in which he congratulated Muslims all over the Islamic world on this feast, and stressed on the importance of maintaining values of coexistence and tolerance as a good example for the world to live. GS-17) General Secretary lecturing at Kaslik University The General Secretary lectured at Kaslik University in Beirut on the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church and its current activities under the leadership of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. The lecture that took place on the 16th of November came at the invitation of the Dean of the University. A meeting followed the lecture with the President of the University. GS-18) Message of Congratulations to Muslims The MECC General Secretary addressed the Muslim world with a congratulatory message on the occasion of celebrating the Adha feast. It is the feast of “sacrifice’ as the message said. The message hoped for peace in the Middle East that can be manifested in having an independent Palestinian State with its capital, Eastern Jerusalem, the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Iraq, and the rise of a new Lebanon after electing a new President. GS-19) The General Secretary was re-elected at the 9th General Assembly The Assembly re-elected Mr. Guirgis Ibrahim Saleh from the Coptic Orthodox Church as a General Secretary for a second term. GS-20) General Secretary Paid Congratulatory Visits to the new Presidents of the Council
GS-21) Christmas Message from MECC General Secretary “Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…” (Luke 2.10) The MECC General Secretary sent out a Christmas message in which he reflected on the Good News that God has proclaimed to the world through the birth of His Son Jesus Christ. The message wished peace to the Middle East and the world.
The following Programs are directly under the General Secretariat supervision:
A- International Ecumenical Relations (IER) In 2007, the former director of the International Ecumenical Relations left the Council on retirement and a new director has resumed the office on the 1st of May 2007. The IER focused its efforts on the following activities: · Organizing and facilitating the Annual Partners’ Meetings, and pursuing constant communication and relation with partners. · Producing the Annual MECC Narrative report to partners. · Producing the Monthly Electronic (News Brief) on MECC activities. · Organizing visitors’ programs and receiving delegations in the region. · Coordinating and communicating with partners regarding agreements and projects. · Coordinating with the General Secretary and the MECC Units and departments on projects and reports. · Participating in specific regional and international meetings.
The IER pursued its close collaboration with the MECC General Secretary, what regards relations with the MECC partners, flow of information and follow up on plan of action.
IER-1) Annual Partners’ Meeting and Partners’ Relations: Relations with partners have been pursued through: 1) Annual Partners’ Meeting: The IER prepared and organized the annual partners’ meeting in cooperation with the General Secretariat office as well as with partners. The meeting took place in Harissa – Lebanon (21- 24 May 2007). The annual partner’s meeting is prepared and agreed on by the MECC/Partners’ Core Group, to set the final agenda of the upcoming partners’ meeting. The agenda included an overview of the situation in the region, testimonies from Executive Committee members on the work of the MECC, the General Secretary’s report, the reports of the Units and Programs including the financial and audit reports, the MECC restructuring process and the ICNDR relations with MECC. The meeting was preceded by visits to and meetings with Heads of Churches in Lebanon. The next partners’ meeting was decided to take place in Lebanon (12 – 14 May 2008). IER-2) MECC Electronic Monthly Newsletter (NewsBrief) & Communication The IER is producing a monthly electronic newsletter in English under the name “MECC NewsBrief”. It keeps partners, churches, regional ecumenical councils, and individuals worldwide informed about MECC activities on monthly basis. The “News Brief” spreads information about the situation in the region and its impact on the people in general and on the churches, in particular. The “NewsBrief” is electronically disseminated in the region and worldwide to over (600) recipients.
IER-3) Relief Appeals The IER was involved in writing and launching the ACT International appeals for aid to Palestinians in Lebanon during the Nahr el-Bared camp events, and to displaced Iraqis in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. IER-4) Visitor’s Program & Coordination The MECC/IER in cooperation with the General Secretariat office and other Units and Departments organized and facilitated the program of visits of individual visitors, ecumenical groups and church delegations to the Middle East region. During the reporting period, the IER facilitated the visits of the following groups: v Conference of European Churches (CEC) Delegation in Lebanon v Presbyterian Church (USA) Delegation in the Middle East v Women’s Rights on Danish Church Aid (DCA) & MECC Meeting Agenda v MECC NCA Partners Visit the Region v NCCCUSA Women delegation visited the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan v MECC Amman office hosted the ACT CO regional meeting v Ecumenical German Delegation (Protestant and Catholics) to Lebanon and Egypt in June 2007 v Delegation from the Church of Norway visited Syria & Jordan in August 2007 v Cardinal of Washington Visited Amman v Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to Syria and Lebanon in September 2007 v Norwegian Church Aid visit to Syria in October 2007 v A delegation from the Church of Sweden visited Syria & Jordan v MECC office in Amman received a delegation from PCUSA v A delegation from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) USA visited Lebanon v Delegation from Presbyterian Church to Jordan
IER-5) MECC Internal Coordination & Fund-Raising The IER coordinated with the different MECC Units and Departments on activities, reporting and compiling projects. It also responded to MECC General Secretariat projects for fund-raising and follow up on agreements with partners.
B- Justice, Peace and Human Rights Program (JPHR) To engage in issues of human rights, dignity, justice and peace in the Middle East is not an easy task. The MECC Justice, Peace & Human Rights, Program (JPHR) is related to the General Secretariat office. It advocates for human rights and dignity across the churches, church-related organizations, universities, and theological institutes in the region, as it advocates for respect: for religions, for the other, for the differences, for the specificity of each society and for the international Human Rights Charters. In cooperation and coordination with churches and church-related organizations, the Program endeavors to build a culture of respect to differences between religions. It values and supports churches in their advocacy role with respect to human dignity. Through its different workshops and seminars, the Program outreached clergy, lay people, women, children, youth and marginalized groups. It also targeted judges, lawyers, labor unions, thinkers, and educators. The JPHR works towards the development of the Council’s and churches’ role in raising awareness on justice, peace and human rights issues and in working with civil society representatives, to become active advocates of human rights, from both religious and legal perspectives. In 2007, the JPHR continued implementing its activities in the different countries. Its most important achievement was the agreement with the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and
Bishops in the East to establish a “Forum for Human Rights” in Lebanon. Details of such a Forum will come later.
JPHR Activities & Achievements
JPHR-1) Joint MECC JPHR/ATIME Training of Trainers (ToT) The Justice, Peace and Human Rights Program (JPHR) and the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) organized their second ToT session from January 12-13, 2007, in Atchaneh-Lebanon on “Spreading a culture of human rights” among students of theology. Around 50 trainees, students, young theologians and priests from Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria exchanged experiences and learned how to overcome challenges in their respective countries. The seminar was enriched by the participants’ testimonies about their practical experiences. They shared information on their churches’ position and discourse in defending human rights and human dignity, and in working toward the observance of a culture of rights. A series of workshops held during the training, focused on the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as treated in the International Covenant on Human Rights. Others focused on the issue of “Identity and Citizenship” highlighting each individual’s potential in effecting social change at the community level. Certificates were distributed at the end of the workshop. JPHR-2) JPHR Pursues Awareness Activities on Stereotyping and Conflict Prevention The MECC/JPHR program has been organizing series of awareness workshops at the district level in Lebanon, for the year 2007. Two 2-days workshops took place successively on January 21-22 and 27-28, 2007. The first workshop held within the premises of the Permanent Peace Movement, brought together around 26 participants from different parts of Beirut, Mount Lebanon and the South. Many of those participated in previous sessions organized in other districts. These are now ready trained to multiply the impact of the project by conducting themselves workshops at the level of their respective communities. The second workshop took place in the Lebanese Evangelical Institute For Social Work and Development in Mount Lebanon and was a follow up to the first, aiming at deepening knowledge and techniques. Church and NGO representatives participated, offering their experiences and reviewing their projects in light of new techniques in negotiation, mediation and conflict management. JPHR-3) MECC/JPHR held a Consultation on: Action Oriented Strategies for Monitoring Advocacy Between April 17 - 19, 2007 the Justice, Peace & Human Rights (JPHR) program held a consultation at the Headquarters of the Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries in Jounieh, aiming at reviewing the development of the project “the Patterns of the Commitment of the Church and Religious Associations to Human Rights Issues: Action oriented strategies for monitoring and advocacy”. Two human rights activists contributed in helping to move the project forward, focusing on the structure of the project, refined into two main components: 1- Spreading knowledge, raising awareness and advocacy 2- Formation of children and youth through activities and training sessions. A major recommendation issued by the meeting stressed on the need and importance to form a steering committee composed of 5-7 persons, mainly activists and specialized representatives of NGOs, to monitor the implementation of the project. The role of this committee will include the discussion of reports on the human rights’ situation in the region,
the follow up on important events, and the discussion on ways and means to provide the appropriate fund needed for the continuation of the project. A follow-up meeting was held on April 19, targeting ways of establishing a website to provide and enable the Church and church-related organizations with relevant information and links regarding the implementation and violation of human rights in the Arab world. JPHR-4) JPHR’s Coordinator participated in Two Consultations on May 24 The JPHR coordinator attended on 24/5/2007 two successive consultations organized by the "Assemblée des Patriarchs Catholiques et des Eveques Catholiques au Liban" at the main siege in Jounieh – Lebanon. Present were the active NGO's that deal with development in Lebanon and those who are active in lobbying for rights in the field of civil and political rights, citizenship and belonging. The meeting aimed at shaping out a mechanism of coordination between the different actors in the civil society in the hope of providing a better result for the benefit of the person, the community and the society in general. An affirmed recommendation has been formulated aiming at follow up on regular basis, and to work on a data base that help the members of the steering committees which were formed at the founding meeting in April 2007. The role of the said committees is to select and decide on the activities in order to avoid duplication and complement the work between the different NGOs and to know who is doing what in Lebanon in the targeted fields and what we can do together for the best interest of society. Participants designed a moderator to each committee and decided on a fixed date to meet once per month. JPHR-5) A Joint conference on “Non Muslims in Muslim Society” was held in Limassol - Cyprus. A Joint Conference between the department of the Inter-Religious Dialogue at the Stockholm School of Theology, the department for Missiology at Uppsala University, the Christian Study Centre in Rawalpindi, Pakistan and MECC/JPHR took place from 19-23, August 2007 in Limassol, Cyprus. The JPHR program hosted and set up the program of the conference; identified the topics as well as the speakers and other participants in order to fulfill the aim and expected results of the conference. MECC General Secretary addressed the participants and presented a working paper. JPHR-6) MECC/JPHR and the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs Discuss their Cooperation: Patterns of the Commitment of the Church and Religious Associations to Human Rights Issues This activity was in response to a recommendation by the Assembly of the Catholic Patriarchs & Bishops of the Middle East in its fifteenth Conference, held in Amman from 28/11-2/12/2005 calling to set up a forum of thinkers in Lebanon as an introduction to setting up a similar forum for the Arab World, provided that the coordination will be the responsibility of the Middle East Council of Churches. The purpose was to observe the issues related to justice and human rights in the Arab countries. The recommendation also called for periodic reports to the Heads of Churches and for the deployment of efforts with concerned governments in support of justice and peace, thus pushing forward the issue of human rights in the Middle East. Several meetings were held between the representative of the Catholic Patriarchs and the MECC General Secretariat and JPHR program coordinator, to study the possibility, as well as the ways and means, to finalize the proposed project to monitor the justice, peace and human rights issues in the region, and to issue and circulate periodic reports to be shared with the MECC ecumenical partners and the Arab churches. As such, the program seeks to equip Churches in the Arab region with data helping them to advocate for issues in the region. This will be done with the cooperation of likeminded institutions. In this regard, the JPHR program started setting a mechanism of work to monitor the implementation of justice and human rights in the region. It also seeks to develop a forum for more formal discussions on human rights and justice, and training in the Middle East. The purpose of this initiative is to issue reports, reflecting the human rights situation in each country and focusing on burning issues that affect the situation of justice and peace. These reports will be circulated to the different partners and churches worldwide. An analysis will be followed and different types of actions will be undertaken, including support and advocacy with the help of partners, approaching local governments and organizations. Such Forum could constitute a model for similar initiatives in the Middle East region. Great interest was expressed by the meeting for the proposal, which will be studied for decision and implementation. JPHR-7) JPHR Deepening the Education on Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Children’s Rights. The JPHR program succeeded to enroll four participants to benefit from courses on human rights, conflict resolution and children’s rights in international institutes and regional universities. These courses enable them to deepen their knowledge and to receive diplomas. These participants will be helping the program in designing its work at national Church and community levels. Also they will take initiatives to spread and build awareness among a wide range of people at the local level. The guarantees and protection of human rights in Arab states are inversely proportional to the proximity of those rights to the political life of that country. The more the exercise of those freedoms and rights is perceived to be political, the less guaranteed and protected those rights are. JPHR-8) Spreading a Culture of Human Rights among Students of Theology, 11-13 January 2007, at St Jacob – Atchaneh/Lebanon. This one-year project was put by the JPHR and was addressed to around200 students in theological institutes in the Middle East, in addition to a number of young priests. The seminar was enriched by testimonies from the participants about their practical experiences and their churches’ ways in protecting human rights and human dignity, and in working toward the observance of a culture of rights. A series of workshops were organized during the seminar, focusing on the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as addressed in the International Covenant of Human Rights. JPHR-9) Conference on Interfaith Peace Pilgrimage The MECC/JPHR Program Coordinator participated in a Conference for peace that took place in Amman from 4-14 November 2007. The theme of the conference was: "Interfaith Peace Pilgrimage and Solidarity Mission to Palestine-Israel". It started in Palestine and culminated in an international conference in Amman on Justice for Palestine. The coordinator presented an intervention on violence against women under occupation in the Middle East with a special focus on Palestinian women. She also presented an overview of women's rights situation in the region. The organizer “Peace for Life” (PFL) recognizes the centrality of the Middle East question in its agenda to mobilize faith-based resistance to the USA policy and its allies. The PFL launched a call to accelerate campaigns of boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS), a course of action which many organisations, especially in the North including religious institutions, have pursued vigorously in their attempt to help isolate what is now widely regarded as “Apartheid Israel”. A statement was released immediately after the Conference, made a pledge of commitment to deepen and strengthen the solidarity of International partners - representing different religion and belief coming from all over the world - with the Palestinian people and their struggle for justice, peace and life. JPHR-10) MECC-JPHR Program Introduces a Monitor and Forum on Human Rights The JPHR Program organized a workshop that took place in Amman from the 17th till 21 of November 2007 where representatives from the Churches in the Middle East region and from the Church based organizations came together to exchange their knowledge on monitoring human rights situation. A series of workshops have been conducted as part of the training sessions, lead by specialists from Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. The outcome of the workshops was echoed in a strong recommendation that Churches’ need is to know of the abuses of human rights that are taking place in the Middle East, and translate its desire to practically shed the light on these abuses and hence interact with its mission in protecting the divine dignity of the human beings. C- Christian-Muslim Dialogue The Christian-Muslim dialogue continues to occupy an important part of the MECC General Secretariat activities. It is done out of the belief in the importance of dialogue and cooperation with all people, sustain mutual understanding and acceptance on common religious and social issues in the Middle East, and build a culture of tolerance, reconciliation, justice and peace. The Program focused its activities on three axes of work on the level of: a. Christian and Muslim leadership and related prominent persons. b. Grass-roots with young people c. Humanitarian services. By doing this, the Council encourages and supports existing relations with Muslims as partners in life and citizenship, land, destiny and future. The MECC has succeeded in building bridges and establishing strong relations at various levels of society.
Christian-Muslim Dialogue Activities & Achievements The activities of the Christian-Muslim Dialogue program have included awareness and skill building workshops and seminars with Christian and Muslim youths, encounters between religious leaders, participation in international conferences, and advocacy activities. The program has coordinated its activities with those of other Units and Departments targeting Christian and Muslim community leaders, members, youth, and humanitarian service organizations.
CMD-1) The Fifth Doha Inter-Faith Conference The MECC General Secretary, HE Bishop Yohanna Kolta - MECC President from Egypt, HE Archbishop George Saliba – Syrian Orthodox Church of Mount Lebanon and MECC Executive Committee member; participated in the fifth Doha (Qatar) Inter-Faith Conference which took place between 7–10 May, and under the theme: “Spiritual Values & World Peace”. The conference aimed at establishing a common platform of dialogue between the three Monotheistic religions. The Conference focused on the challenges of dialogue between religions, and the commonalities in spiritualities between religions and its impact on peaceful coexistence. More than 150 religious and non-religious personalities participated in the Conference. In his opening speech, Archbishop Saliba talked about the religious values, which are reflected in the Human Rights charter, and about the international peace, which can be achieved through the implementation of the spiritual values that religions have given. Archbishop Kolta stated that human beings are in need for each other and conflicts between nations cannot be solved without joining hands together. Among the important recommendations of the Conference were: the encouragement of spreading the culture of understanding, reconciliation and dialogue among the nations; and the establishment of the International Centre for Inter-Faith Dialogue in Doha. Archbishop Saliba was elected as a member of the International Consultation Council for Inter-faith Dialogue. CMD-2) General Secretary met with the Higher Imam of Azhar Aiming at sustaining the Christian – Muslim dialogue and empowering the relationships of MECC with Muslim leadership in the Middle East, the General Secretary visited on May 14th the Higher Imam of Azhar Mosque (HE Sheikh Dr Muhamad Said Tantawi). The meeting tackled the preparations for the third joint conference of MECC and the Higher International Islamic Forum (HIIF), as well as the visit of the ecumenical church leaders of Germany to Egypt and Lebanon. It is worth mentioning that the Higher Imam of Azhar is the President of the (HIIF). CMD-3) The General Secretary participated in the symposium held in the Jordanian Center for Studies on Religious Coexistence, in the first commemoration of the Amman message, and presented an intervention on "The Council of Churches' message in spreading tolerance among all people in this region". CMD-4) In coordination with the Communication Department, the Council and the Civilization Center for Iranian-Arab Studies organized on January 2007 a symposium on "Ambiguities in the road of Christian-Muslim dialogue". CMD-5) Annual Christian-Muslim Youth Seminar: The seventh Christian-Muslim youth seminar took place in Amman - Jordan on October 2007. The title was "Christian and Muslim young people between religious commitment and the culture of our time". 40 young Christian and Muslim participants from Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan were present in the seminar. No doubt these meetings play an important role in firmly establishing the dialogue that aims to build awareness between Christian and Muslim young people. This activity was carried-out in cooperation with the Unit on Education & Renewal. CDM-6) Inter- Religious Youth Dialogue in the Heart of the Mediterranean (Refer to the report of the Unit on Education & Renewal ER-7) CMD-7) Facilitation of Western delegation meeting with Muslims in the region The MECC facilitated the meeting of Western delegations to the Middle East region with Muslim leaders and institutions. The delegations were mainly the following: v Ecumenical German Delegation (Protestant and Catholics) to Lebanon and Egypt in June 2007 Under the theme of “Challenges to the Christian Presence in a Changing World”, and at the invitation of MECC, an ecumenical high rank German Church delegation visited Lebanon and Egypt (23 – 28 June). The delegation was composed of 17 Catholic and Protestant Bishops, Pastors, and lay both men and women representing the following churches and church related organizations: EKD, EMW, EED, Catholic Bishops Conference, Missio Aachen. The joint Consultation panels that were held between MECC and churches in Germany during the visits aimed at discussing the situation of Christians in the Middle East, challenges to their Christian presence in the midst of political and religious upheavals, the Christian-Muslim relations, and reflection on the German church situation and perspectives in these respects. The delegation met several Heads of Churches in Lebanon and Egypt as well as Muslim leaders. Many important papers were presented during the consultations discussions, which were presented by both Christians and Muslims. The German delegation paid a special visit to the University of Azhar in Cairo. The Consultation and the visit of the German ecumenical delegation will continue through a process of communication, dialogue, reflection and exchange of visits. In summer 2008, a follow up process will take place in Germany where (10 persons from Germany and 10 persons from the Middle East) will meet for a non-public conference to work on the question “what supports the Christian Presence in the Middle East?”
v Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to Syria and Lebanon in September 2007 Aiming at building bridges, expressing solidarity with churches and Christians in the Middle East, and meeting with Muslim leaders in the region, the Archbishop of Canterbury Most Rt. Revd Dr Rowan Williams and seven of the Anglican Bishops and Canons visited Syria and Lebanon between 26 and 28th of September. CDM-8) The Publication of a Book The General Secretariat published a book in Arabic & English, which is one of a series under the title: “Religion & Human Rights Duties”. The content of the book is the outcome of the second conference with the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue.
II- Units A- Unit on Faith and UnityThe Unit on Faith and Unity works on promoting ecumenical spirit. The ministry of the Middle East Council of Churches/Faith and Unity is based on the development of ecumenical spirit through its various programs and activities, and through the Council's programs and activities in general.
F&U Activities & Achievements
FU-1) Week of Prayer for Christian Unity The Unit usually takes upon itself the translation to Arabic of the international text proposed by the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Pontifical Council for the Consolidation of Christian Unity in Rome, adapting it to the special context in the Middle East. It has become a general practice for the Middle East Council of Churches to publish the text of prayers in booklets, with posters and cards, including a prayer for unity, and to distribute them to the Churches and the Church institutions. The Unit in collaboration with local Churches in the countries, organizes the opening and closure of the Week of Prayers, and organizes conferences or Church musical events in an ecumenical atmosphere, in each of the countries in the Middle East. In Lebanon, the inaugural ecumenical celebration was held in the Syrian orthodox Cathedral in Beirut, on January 18, 2007. A concert was held jointly with ATIME at the end of the week in the Chapel of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in the Kaslik Holy Spirit University, in Jounieh. A panel discussion on the ecumenical movement and spirituality was aired live on the local TV Channel Télélumière/Noursat, and two lectures were delivered by the Unit director in the Jesuit “College Notre Dame de Jamhour” for a group of young people. In Egypt, the local committee celebrated the Week of Prayer from January 22 to 30, 2007, inaugurated in the Greek Orthodox Church of the Madonna (Heliopolis) with a solemn prayer attended by all church leaders. It was a major event that bestowed on this week the importance it deserves, reminding Christians of the necessity of prayer and work for the
fulfillment of God’s dearest wish. The daily ecumenical celebrations were held in a different tradition. In Syria, churches in different regions of Syria celebrated the week of prayer for Christian from January 18-25, 2007, in Aleppo, Hassake, Homs, Lattakia and Damascus. Celebrations and activities reached out to various categories of the community of faithful, especially young men and women. in Aleppo the inauguration took place in the Church of the Holy Cross, in the Armenian Catholic Cathedral, on January 22, 2007, and the ecumenical meeting with youth from different Churches, in Saint Elias Greek Orthodox Church, on January 26, 2007. In Homs, ecumenical celebrations gathered clergy and lay from the various Churches, in the Evangelical Church, on January 26, 2007. In Jordan, and for the first time for many years now, the Unit succeeded in organizing on January 23, a common ecumenical celebration held at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Latin Church in Amman. In addition to an important number of clergy attending, 700 Christians from different denominations prayed together on that occasion. Different satellite channels ensured wide media coverage. FU-2) Ecumenical Parish Ministers’ Encounters A Pre-Assembly Parish Ministers seminar was organized by the Unit on Faith & Unity in Limasol/Cyprus (22 – 24 November). Twenty-two participants from MECC member churches from Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Cyprus gathered including three women (for the first time) whom their presence and contributions were very much appreciated. The seminar tackled four main issues which were: the theological and pastoral concerns of our churches in the Middle East, the Ecumenical dialogue in the Middle East and its challenges, the MECC presence, role and challenges, the interfaith dialogue in the Middle East. Prayers, hymns, and meditations were part of the spiritual aspect of the seminar. Significant recommendations were recommended to the MECC 9th General Assembly meeting in Paphos. FU-3) "Faith and Order" Document on Church Nature and Mission: May 2007 Upon the initiative of the World Council of Churches/Office for the Middle East, the document on Church Nature and Mission was translated into Arabic. The Director of the Unit assisted in reviewing the translation and in writing an introduction to the document, explaining significant concepts. In May 2007, due to the security situation in Lebanon the Director of the Unit was unable to participate with other theologians in the conference held by the Committee on WCC/Faith and Order in Cairo, to discuss the Document. The Unit however organized a theological seminar for the teachers of theology in Lebanon. The seminar was held at the Pontifical College for Theology at the Holy Spirit University in Kaslik. Over 55 professors from the various Institutes of Theology in Lebanon participated in the seminar, world famous, Herve Legrand, visiting the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, presented a valuable lecture on the theological understanding of the local Church. This lecture was very well received and quite commended by the participants who asked to repeat this event in the coming years as such meetings revive the ecumenical spirit and open widely the door for serious theological cooperation.
B- Unit on Education & Renewal (E&R) Through its four programs Youth, Women, Family Education, and Schools Related to Churches, the Unit on Education & Renewal made serious attempts to build awareness about the reality of the Christians in the Middle East region, and raise educational and ecumenical issues and challenges which cannot be blacked out. It rather requires
cooperative efforts from churches together to face and study them, to identify common factors for solutions and finally to establish ecumenical plans to resolve them. Among the challenges are the issues of Christian emigration from the region, specially the young generation, difficult role of the churches in this respect, the unsettled situations which are forced on people because of war and destruction, the regression of ethical values which are the end-result of the impact of media and globalization, the increase in family life problems due to misunderstandings about marriage as a ‘sacrament”, and last but not least the gradual disappearances of the understanding of mission in church related schools as a result of a profit making approach to ensure the survival of the school. The activities carried by the Unit on Education & Renewal in 2007 confirmed to participants the importance of carrying the ecumenical message of each gathering to the local churches, and the importance of learning how to live unity in diversity. The activities supported churches in developing their human resources among youth, women, family education leaders and directors of schools. It encouraged openness to have inclusive dialogue for cooperation and exchange of experiences. The activities provided the ecumenical space for participants to continuously meet and discuss issues related to the daily life of youth, women, families and schools which are of common regional, national and local concern. In this regard, the Unit on Education & Renewal has launched some unique educational ecumenical initiatives jointly with other partners in the West such as: two study workshops between young people from the Middle East and Europe which falls into the objective of building bridges between the East and the West. The Unit on Education & Renewal has successfully, and in cooperation with the General Secretariat office implemented five Christian-Muslim seminars in the Middle East. These seminars are meant to develop the true feeling of coexistence among young people.
E&R Activities & Achievements
ER-1) “East-West Intercultural Dialogue between the Middle East & Europe” – Study Seminar for Youth The seminar was convened in St Christopher’s Greek Orthodox Centre – Damascus, Syria (28/2-2/3/2007). It targeted (25) young Christian and Muslim participants from Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Denmark, UK, Holland, and Finland. The MECC/Youth Program initiated the idea of bringing young people from the Middle East and Europe in a joint study seminar to build bridges, overcome prejudices and stereotyping, and learn about each other. The MECC felt the importance of this initiative at such significant and difficult time when people have no knowledge about “the other”. The workshop included talks and training workshops on overcoming stereotyping, accepting diversity and dialogue. The final statement expressed the importance of such gatherings and meetings that help building bridges between east and west. ER-2) Work & Study Camp in Egypt The annual work & study camp for young people was convened in Fayed – Egypt (28/7-2/8/2007). It targeted (25) young university students from Egypt, and the theme was “Types of Characters”. It is unfortunate that due to the lack of funding the camp was not able to accommodate young people from other countries. ER-3) Ecumenical Youth Day of Prayer Another annual ecumenical youth event of prayer took place in the Basilica Church in Golf area – Cairo – Egypt (30/10/2007). The invitation to this event was open to young people from different churches in Cairo. The theme this year was “Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind” (Romans 12:2)
ER-4) Seventh Christian - Muslim Youth Seminar The seminar was held in cooperation with the MECC General Secretariat under the theme: “Religious Commitment and the Changing Cultures for Young Christians and Muslims”. 40 young Christians and Muslims from Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt gathered in Century Park Hotel in Amman – Jordan (17 – 21 October 2007) and tackled the issues of: changing of cultures and its impact on young people – the crisis of religious thinking in confronting modernity – building peace and the role of youth. The seminar included also training workshops on identity and culture, globalization and culture, aspects of accepting others, aspects of peace building. ER-5) Peace Building Program for Youth in USA In Minnesota - USA, and between 4 – 18 August the ARK (Architects Relation Knowledge) organized a youth gathering for young Christians and Muslims from Jordan, Palestine, USA, Guatemala, Malawi, and Lithuania. Director of MECC Amman office headed the youth delegation from Jordan and Lebanon. The gathering aimed at establishing a network of young people from both religions and advocate for peace. The organizers are studying with MECC the possibility of hosting such an annual event in Jordan 2008. ER-6) Inter- Religious Youth Dialogue in the Heart of the Mediterranean More than 35 participants from the Middle East and Europe, from different Christian and Muslim backgrounds, gathered from the 9th to the 16th of December in Volos, Greece, for a training & study seminar “Monologue or Dialogue? Inter-religious dialogue meets fundamentalism”. 10 young participants from Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine participated in this event. The event, organized by MECC/Youth program in cooperation with the Ecumenical Youth Council of Europe (EYCE) and the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organization (FEMYSO), is hosted by the Volos Academy for Theological Studies in cooperation with the Metropolis of Demetrias. The conference provided a platform for representatives of different religions and sects to learn about one another. Elements of the program included analysis of fundamentalism from the perspective of sociology, economy, psychology, theology, media and history; and critical analysis of practices and traditions of Christianity and Islam that could promote fundamentalism. Middle Eastern participants presented case studies and analysis of contextual situations. ER-7) Youth Website The MECC Youth Program launched in 2006 its ecumenical youth website, upon the many requests from young people in the churches, in both languages Arabic and English. The website will hopefully be an ecumenical space for young people to learn, know, reflect, and communicate about the ecumenical movement in the Middle East and the World. The website is: www.meccyouth.org ER-8) Seminar on "Women and the Economic & Social Pressures" - Egypt This was the theme of a seminar held in Cairo at the Greek Orthodox Youth Club (20.4.2007). 45 women from MECC member churches in Cairo attended the seminar. Speakers highlighted the social and economical pressures on women specially those who are working outside the house. ER-9) Seminar on "Women and Society" - Egypt Another seminar for women in Egypt was held in Alexandria (1-3.11.2007) under the above theme. 45 women from churches in Alexandria met to highlight the role of women in developing the society at large. ER-10) Annual Women Seminar in Syria The Women Program in Syria held its annual seminar at St. Thomas Greek Catholic retreat House/Damascus – Syria (3 – 7.10.2007) and under theme: “Women & Men are partners in Decision-Making”. 45 women from MECC member churches in Syria participated in the seminar. Speakers highlighted the role of both women and men in decision making inside and outside the house of their living. It also tackled the issue of the rights of women in the Canon Law of some churches and how it was developed for the benefit of women. ER-11) Ecumenical Spiritual Retreat for Women - Lebanon The Women Program in Lebanon held a retreat for women to reflect on the theme of the MECC General Assembly. 35 women gathered in St Antoine Nuns’ retreat House – Bikfeya – Lebanon (15/9/2007), for this ecumenical and spiritual exercise. ER-12) The Women Program produced in 2007 a documentary book in Arabic, covering all the seminars held in Egypt during the last two years. The book of 350 pages includes pictures of events. ER-13) 2nd Family Counseling Workshop - Syria The Family Education Program in Syria held a training seminar for leaders of family program in churches. The training was held at the Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church in Aleppo (May 3 – 5, 2007) and was attended by (40) participants both lay and clergy. The workshop was a follow-up training on family counseling for leaders of family education programs. ER-14) 3rd |