[النسخة العربية]

 International Ecumenical Relations

Email: mecc@cyberia.net.lb

April, 2006  

MECC General Secretary’s Easter Message

“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

Starting his message with these verses, MECC General Secretary, Mr. Saleh, calls on all Christians to rejoice.  In the midst of atrocities and injustices committed around the world, God be praised for Christ’s resurrection and reign of life over death.

Relaying brotherly love and greetings, Mr. Saleh asks the Risen Lord to grant His blessings to all. He also asks for an ever-increasing renewal in the faith of the Resurrection and a greater apostolate for the Gospel of Christ.

The message ends with congratulations on this blessed day praying the Almighty to protect and grant health and prosperity to all. The Easter Message in Arabic and English is posted on the MECC website at: www.mec-churches.org

MECC Condemns Assault on Churches in Alexandria-Egypt

In his statement issued April 18, 2006, MECC General Secretary highlights the strong resentment of all who believe in brotherhood and peace. The MECC strongly condemns these “assaults on the churches and on all places of worship and on peaceful citizens” and calls for the arrest and punishment of perpetrators.

Mr. Saleh underlines that “the MECC affirms Christian-Muslim life together in Egypt and all other countries of the world, on the basis of citizenship, equality and dialogue under the rule of the same law and urges Muslim and Christian authorities to act… for the restoration of peace and security”.  The Statement in Arabic and English is posted on the MECC website at: www.mec-churches.org

President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Denounces Alexandria Assaults

H. E. Bishop Dr. Munib Yonan, President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land and President of the Evangelical Fellowship in the Middle East denounced the violent acts against the Coptic Orthodox Churches in Alexandria. These aim, he said, at destroying the existing strong relations between the citizens of Egypt, Christians and Muslims. H. E. Bishop Yonan affirms his solidarity with the members of the sister Coptic Orthodox Church and warns against the hands behind these acts that are only well set traps. Bishop Yonan adds his appreciation for all efforts deployed to prevent similar assaults and to fail those destructive  plans that target Christian-Muslim brotherhood.

The International Islamic Forum for Dialogue (IIFD) Condemns Alexandria Events

A Statement issued on April 17, 2006 by the President of the IIFD, Dr. Hamed Bin Ahmad Al Rifaie, notes with deep concern the assaults on three churches in Alexandria, Egypt.  “We, at the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue, which represents over one hundred Muslim organizations, strongly condemn these criminal violations of Christian, Muslim and all other places of worship and religious symbols worldwide and call for the punishment of criminals and to an end to such irresponsible religious acts…We call on all Christian and Muslim religious and cultural leaders and thinkers in Egypt”…. to collaborate closely together to suppress the very roots of similar acts that aim at disrupting peace and security in Egypt and the whole region. The Statement in Arabic is posted on the MECC website at: www.mec-churches.org

MECC Statement on Explosions in Dahab, Egypt

A statement issued on April 26, 2006, by the MECC General Secretary, condemns the violent explosions in Dahab, Egypt, causing the death of and injuring many innocent victims. The MECC strongly condemns the violent acts against citizens and foreigners, that have shaken Egypt for some time now. These serve only to destroy peoples’ lives and peace. The MECC calls on the Egyptian authorities for a severe punishment of the perpetrators, and presents its condolences to the families of the victims, asking for God’s mercy and healing to all the victims, as well as peace for Egypt.  The Statement in Arabic and English is posted on the MECC website at: www.mec-churches.org

“Women as Peace Makers”

150 women from the different regions of Lebanon attended the spiritual gathering held in Maghdouche in South Lebanon under the general theme “Women as Peace Makers: Challenges and Solutions”.  A Bible study and a presentation on the theme provided bases for discussion and exchange of views. Among other solutions proposed, the gathering focused on: a radical change in women’s education and cooperation; rebuilding self-confidence; reconciliation with oneself, one’s home and God; developing potentials; and developing a sound relation with Christ.  For more information, kindly contact MECC Women’s Program coordinator, Ms. Maha Milki Wehbe at: mmilki@hotmail.com

The MECC Family Congratulates the Church of Sweden on the Election of New Archbishop of Uppsala

On behalf of the MECC family, the MECC General Secretary has relayed congratulations and wishes to H.G. Archbishop Anders Wehjryd on his election as Archbishop of Uppsala. In his letter to the Archbishop-Elect, Mr. Saleh prays God to bless his leadership and expresses hope for a continued cooperation and collaboration between the Church of Sweden and the Middle East Council of Churches.

On this occasion, Mr. Saleh takes the opportunity to pay tribute to H.G. Archbishop K.G. Hammar whom he met and knew personally.

MECC Participates in the 4^th Christian-Muslim Dialogue Conference of Doha on the “Role of Religion in Building the Human Being”

Several MECC Executive Committee Members, including Presidents, accompanied by the General and Associate Secretaries participated in and contributed to this Conference organized from April 25-26, 2006, by the Dean of the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies in Doha Qatar, and President of the Conference Committee, Dr. Aicha Al Mana’i.

The Conference addressed the following topics: Religion and Civil Rights; Freedom of Expression and Religious Sanctities; Religion, Women and Family; Religious Diversity and Mutual Respect; Religions and Environment Protection; Religion and the Promotion of Ethical Values; Religion and Globalization; Religion and Modern Scientific Developments; and other topics related to the main theme. 

For more information, kindly contact MECC Associate General Secretary, Fr. Hady Mahfouz at: hadymahfouz@usek.edu.lb

MECC General Secretary Attends Caritas MONA Regional Conference and Forum in Cyprus

The Caritas Conference was organized from April 25-27, 2006, under the title “Caritas testimony of charity, actor of peace in a multi confessional context”.

Close to 60 participants form around the world attended the Conference that addressed regional organizational concerns. The Forum that followed the Conference had for theme “Caritas mission as per Deus Caritas Est, beyond all frontiers” focused on Dialogue. While Mr. Ibrahim Shams Eddine gave a presentation on the “Theological Foundations of Solidarity and Development in Islam in a Perspective of Dialogue and of Conviviality”, MECC General Secretary, Mr. Guirgis Saleh spoke of the “Middle East Council of Churches and the Inter-Religious Platforms for Dialogue”. In his presentation, Mr. Saleh highlighted the work of the Council in the area of Christian-Muslim Dialogue, the different levels at which dialogue takes place with the aim of strengthening systematic dialogue that would lead to mutual understanding, to the consolidation of peace, and to establishing good relations between people for the benefit of humanity in general.

The MECC Christian-Muslim Dialogue Program, said Mr. Saleh, contributes to the establishment of Arab Christianity as a central partner in the Christian-Muslim dialogue worldwide. It strives to prevent religion from becoming a cause of divisions and wars, but rather used as a factor of peace and cooperation, based on equal citizenship. It also endeavors to eliminate prejudices and pre-judgment inherited or acquired by both sides, to join efforts in shouldering responsibilities toward maintaining a healthy society where humanistic values are faced with great challenges, and to work towards respect and equality among citizens in a pluralistic society in which freedom, based on democratic foundations is embraced.

The MECC Ecumenical Relief Services (ERS) Focus Activities to Relieve Iraqi Refugees in Jordan

ERS has concentrated its efforts this month on relieving needy Iraqi asylum seekers and refugees in Jordan. The financial assistance to the needy Iraqi families was given through the local churches in Jordan that have been ministering to these refugees for a long time now. This assistance was provided thanks to the support given by the Catholic service organization MISSIO.

This project is the first phase of a program of assistance to Iraqi refugees in the region. The next phase of the project w ill address needs in Lebanon and Syria.

For more information, kindly contact ERS Coordinator Rev. Nuhad Tohmeh at: ntohmeh@cyberia.net.lb

MECC May Calendar of Events

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