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International Ecumenical Relations Email: mecc@cyberia.net.lb July, 2008
MECC GENERAL SECRETARY AND SENIOR STAFF MEETS HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOSE ARAM I On July 2nd, the MECC General Secretary and senior staff in Lebanon met with His Holiness Aram I, President of the Council, at the Catholicosate in Antelias. The meeting aimed at briefing His Holiness on the Council’s activities and projects, as well as consulting on the forthcoming partners meeting. His Holiness made several concrete recommendations with respect the projects and activities. MECC General Secretary also inquired about His Holiness’ views on cooperation between various ecumenical councils and issues related to MECC member churches. For more information contact: guirgissaleh@cyberia.net.lb
MECC GENERAL SECRETARY PARTICIPATES IN CEOSS SEMINAR ON CIVIL SOCIETY On July 4th, the MECC General Secretary participated in the 2-day (July 4 and 5, 2008) Seminar on “Civil Society in the Arab World”, organized by the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS) - Egypt in Le Meridien Commodore in Beirut. A book entitled “Civil Society in the Arab World” will be published following this event. For further information see: www.ceos.org.eg
SEMINAR AROUND “CONTEMPORARY ARABIC THEOLOGY” On July 8th, and upon an invitation from the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Lebanon and Dar Al Thaqafa, the MECC General Secretary attended a reception discussing a book entitled “Towards a Contemporary Arabic Theology”. Many dignitaries of Evangelical Theologians in the Middle East and other intellectuals participated in this event. For more information contact: guirgissaleh@cyberia.net.lb
THE 13TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I MECC PRESIDENT’S CONSECRATION AND ENTHRONEMENT IS CELEBRATED The 13th anniversary of His Holiness Aram I’s consecration and enthronement was celebrated in Antelias during the Holy Mass held on Sunday the 6th of July, on the occasion of the Feast of Vartavar. It was followed by a special event to mark the 13th anniversary of the Pontiff’s consecration. Words from the groups and community of the Armenian Church marked the work and service rendered by His Holiness to the Armenian Church and nation. His Holiness Aram I is a President of the Middle East Council of Churches. Quoted from: www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org
MECC PARTNERS MEETING JULY 23rd The one day MECC partners meeting took place at MECC Headquarter in Beirut – Lebanon on the 23rd of July. The earlier partners meeting which was scheduled in May, canceled due to the turbulent political situation in Lebanon and the closure of its airport at that time. The agenda of the July meeting discussed the restructuring scheme of MECC, the 4-year plan of activities, the financial report, the assessments from the Units and Departments, and set some recommendations for follow up. Present in the meeting were HE. Metropolitan Boulos Matar, President of the Council, three members of the Executive Committee in Lebanon, the MECC General Secretary, six different partners’ organizations, Associate General Secretaries, and senior MECC staff. In his address paper, the MECC General Secretary Mr Guirgis Saleh overviewed the situation in the Middle East and stated its impacts on MECC work and its member churches. He briefed the partners about MECC involvement and activities in the past period focusing on the decisions of the Executive Committee following its meeting in March 2008, and setting some future strategies which enhances the mission of the Council. HE. Metropolitan Boulos Matar, President of the Council addressed the partners with the vision and motivation of MECC in doing restructuring which is approved by the Executive Committee for a one year period of trial. MECC senior staff reported on the 4-year plan of activities, their assessments and vision on the Units and Departments including the financial report and situation. The recommendations which were taken can be articulated in the following points: The voice of the partners must be heard at the next MECC Executive Committee meeting end of September 2008. The process of MECC evaluation will be finalized in the next partners meeting of November 2008. The next partners meeting should include the discussion on the issue of “understanding partnership” Encourage the exchange of visits with partners and leaderships of churches and partners’ organizations. On the 24th of July, partners visited South Lebanon and watched the destruction of the war of 2006, and saw the relief work that the ICNDR Program is implementing. For more information contact: rsiriani@scs-net.org, mecc@cyberia.net.lb Annexed: Address of MECC General Secretary
WORLD REFUGEE DAY IS CELEBRATED In the context of and in the series of the World Refugee Day Commemoration, MECC Diakonia & Social Justice – SRDM program (Service to Refugees, Displaced & Migrants) offered a lunch to around 100 refugees and asylum seekers detained in the prisons of Roumieh - Lebanon on the 16th of July 2008. For security and administrative reasons the event was postponed to this date instead of June 20. The lunch was co organized together with Association for Justice & Mercy (AJEM) & Medecins Du Monde (MDM). The lunch was served in one of the open spaces of the prison blocks, where members of MECC, AJEM & MDM together with the prisoners more than 100, guards, colonels and UNHCR delivered speeches upholding the courage of refugees to strengthen and increase hope towards a better future through enhancement of support and protection by inter agency cooperation and collaboration. The prisoners, mostly Sudanese, Iraqi and Syrian refugees, delivered speeches as well thanked the organizers, conveying their feelings of gratitude towards the Lebanese NGOs in service of refugees. The event was highly appreciated by the refugees and the prison administration. For more information contact: meccls@cyberia.net.lb
A DELEGATION FROM THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST VISITS THE REGION A delegation from the United Church of Christ visited Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon during the period of July 9-17. The delegation was composed of four persons: Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Rev. Roddy Dankerson, Rev. Dr. John Deckenback (conference ministers), and Dr Peter Makari (Executive Director for ME and coordinator of the visit). The visit of the delegation aimed at establishing relations with churches in the region, learning from the churches in the Middle East about their situations and learning about the Christian-Muslim coexistence. The delegation met with different church leaders in the different countries and had encounters with Muslim leaders as well. The delegation heard stories of many Iraqi refugees in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon in their struggle to maintain their life in the neighboring countries, and how MECC and local churches are working to support them in relief work. The delegation met with MECC General Secretary and senior staff in Beirut and heard from them about the different activities of the Council. For more information contact: rsiriani@scs-net.org, mecc@cyberia.net.lb
NCCCUSA HIGH RANK DELEGATION VISITS THE REGION A delegation from the National Council of Churches of USA top leaders visited Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon during the period of July 27-August 2. The delegation was composed of H.E. Archbishop Vicken Aykazian (President of the NCCCUSA), Rev Dr. Mickael Kinnamon (General Secretary of NCCCUSA), and Dr. Peter Makari (Executive Director for Middle East and coordinator of the visit). The visit aimed at building solidarity with churches in the Middle East as well as learning about their perspectives on coexistence and tolerance, and exchange discussions with Muslim figures. In Amman - Jordan, the delegation met with Archbishop Vendiktos of the Greek Orthodox Church and discussed with him the issue of Christian presence. The delegation met with His Highness Prince Hassan Bin Talal with whom they went through a variety of global issues. They also met with His Excellency Senator Akal Baltaji, and the director of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith studies Mr. Hassan Abu-Nimah. MECC Director of Amman office Ms. Wafa Gousous facilitated and coordinated the program of the visit in Jordan.
In Damascus - Syria, the highlight of the agenda of visit was the meeting with His Excellency the President of the country Dr. Bachar Al-Assad who welcomed the stand of NCCCUSA with regard to the peace in the Middle East and their opposition to the war in Iraq. The delegation had several meetings with church leaders: His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius Hazim IV of the Greek Orthodox Church, Rev. Botrous Za’our of the Evangelical National Arab Church, H.E. Bishop Armach Nalbidian of the Armenian Orthodox Church, and representatives of His Beatitude Patriarch Gregorios Laham of the Greek Melkite Catholic Church. NCC delegation expressed their solidarity with churches, heard about the witness of the churches in the Middle East, and acknowledged the work of MECC and national churches in supporting Iraqi refugees. The delegation met with high ranking Muslim leaders namely: the Grand Mufti of Syria and the Director of Sheikh Ahmad Kaftaro Centre with whom they exchanged with them issues related to Christian-Muslim relations. MECC General Secretary Mr Guirgis Saleh, Mr. Samer Laham, Director of Damascus office (who facilitated and coordinated the program of visit), and Mr. Razek Siriani, Director of International Ecumenical Relations accompanied the delegation. In Beirut – Lebanon, the delegation met with MECC General Secretary and senior staff and heard from them about MECC activities and mission in the region. The delegation met with church leaders: Rev Dr. Salim Sahyouni (President of the Higher Council of Evangelical Churches in Syria & Lebanon), H.E. Metropolitan Boulos Matar (President of MECC), H.E. Archbishop Elias Aude (Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church in Beirut), H.E. Archbishop George Saliba (Archbishop of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Mount Lebanon), H.E. Bishop Nareg Alemezian (representing His Holiness Catholicose Aram I of the Armenian Orthodox Church), and Rev Megredij Karakozian (President of the Union of Armenian Evangelical Church). In his statement Rev. Dr. Kinnamon welcomed the relations with MECC and churches in the Middle East in building bridges of understanding and solidarity. He affirmed his hope in the effective role that Christians are playing in the region, and that NCCUSA is strongly supporting establishing peace in the Middle East. In this respect, the delegation met also with the Minister of Communication Dr. Tarek Mitri and exchanged with him issues related to Lebanon and the region. The delegation met with Muslim leaders: the Grand Mufti of Lebanon, the vice president of the Shii’at community, the president of the Druz community. The General Secretary and Rev. Dr. Habib Badr welcomed the delegation at a reception held at the National Evangelical Church of Beirut upon the invitation of MECC where many eminent Christian figures were present. The MECC General Secretary hoped that the bilateral relations between MECC and NCCCUSA will be further developed into joint activities. For more information contact: guirgissaleh@cyberi.anet.lb
MECC/ACT MEIQ71 FOR IRAQIS IS COMPLETED The MECC/ACT MEIQ71 (2007- 2008)) Appeal for Iraqi refugees is completed in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria. The final narrative and financial reports will be sent to ACT by the end of July 2008. The appeal reached out in Iraq – Baghdad (1000) displaced families; in Jordan (300) families for food items, and (200) children and families for winter clothes and educational supplies; while in Syria (200) families for food items, (100) young people for vocational training courses, and (100) women and elderly for medical assistance. The appeal targeted the most needy Iraqi displaced people in these three countries, and helped in supporting them with the urgent need to sustain their living under difficult situations. MECC offices in these three countries were functioning to implement the appeal and coordinate the work with the local partners of both churches and Muslim communities. The MECC/ACT office in Syria has prepared a second appeal, which will hopefully be approved and implemented in the forthcoming six months. For more information contact: ntomeh@cyberia.net.lb, laham-s@scs-net.org, rsiriani@scs-net.org, wafa_mecc@go.com.jo
MAR IKLIMOS DANIEL KORIEH METROPOLITAN OF BEIRUT OF THE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH On July 11, 2008, the Syrian Orthodox community in Beirut celebrated the enthronement of H.E. Mar Kklimos Daniel Korieh Metropolitan of Beirut. The MECC congratulates His Eminence and the Syrian Orthodox community in Beirut. H.E. is an Executive Committee Member of the MECC and had occupied many positions at the Council before.
MECC PARTICIPATES IN WCRP MEETING The World conference on Religions for Peace (WCRP) organized the inaugural meeting of the Middle East Council of Religious leaders/ WCRP in the Library of Alexandria, Egypt in 14-15 July. H.E Ambassador IIari Rantakari of the Fin Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced the work of the Helsinki process that was done in collaboration with the WCRP. Religious leaders and representatives attended the meeting. Mr. Elias El Halabi represented the Middle East Council of Churches. The Participants agreed to launch the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)-WCRP. Draft constitution and bylaws were adopted and a follow up committee was established to prepare for the first meeting of the MENA-WCRP in one year from now. For more info contact: eliashalabi@yahoo.com
MECC PARTICIPATES IN WORLD CONFERENCE ON DIALOGUE CONVENES IN MADRID Under the patronage of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, and the Custodian of Postmodern European Secularism, Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, the World Conference on Dialogue was opened on July 16th in Madrid-Spain. The Conference aimed at promoting dialogue between the world’s main religions. More than 200 leaders of different religions, including Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Universalism, Marxism and Multiculturalism, attended the three-day conference. Also attending are leading personalities specialized in dialogue and useful topics such as “life of human societies, international cooperation, human rights, security and peace and living peacefully together”. Organized by the World Islamic League, following an initiative from King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the Conference seeks to promote openness and consists of five closed-door round tables with the following topics: “Dialogue and Its Religious and Civilization Foundations”, “Dialogue and Its Importance in Society”, “Common Human Values in Areas of Dialogue”, “Evaluation and Promotion of Dialogue”, and “Disseminating of Culture and Co-Existence of Dialogue”. Fr Fadi Daou, MECC Associate General Secretary and Director of Christian-Muslim Dialogue participated in the Conference representing the Council. For more information contact: fadi.daou@usj.edu.lb, and see: www.world-dialogue.org
MECC PRESIDENT AND ELD COMMISSION MODERATOR MEETS WITH ELD DIRECTOR IN AMMAN Rev. Dr. Safwat Bayadi, President of the Council, visited MECC Amman office and met with the Director of the Unit on Education & Leadership Development Ms. Wafa Gousous for an update and future vision of the Unit. The discussion went on prioritizing issues and following up on the 4-year plan of activities as well as the administration of the Unit. For more information contact: wafa_mecc@go.com.jo
WOMEN COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Forty-five social assistants from Church institutions came together (26 July) at the Antonite Monastery in Bikfaya-Lebanon, and at the invitation of MECC Women Program to be engaged in a one-day workshop on ways of “Combating Domestic Violence”. The meeting started with prayers, then introduction and a word of welcoming by the Program’s coordinator Mrs. Maha Wehbe, followed by Mother Mary Xavieh who gave a spiritual perspective related to the issue at hand. Lawyer Danielle Howayek from “Kafa” presented a film called “Najeyyat” and gave an overall view on the legal aspect and laws pertaining to the problem. Ms Caroline Sleibi another speaker asked the question: Who is responsible for violence? The participants assembled in working groups to discuss the issue. Finally Dr. Mary Khoury presented the negative consequences of violence on women and ways to remedy it. For more information contact : mmilki@hotmail.com
THE ARAB NETWORK FOR DIALOGUE The MECC Associate General Secretary Mr. Elias el Halabi participated in a 3-day (July 29 – August 1, 2008) Seminar on « Towards an Arab Dialogue », organized by the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS) in Amman, Jordan. The seminar took place at the Royal Scientific Society with representatives of NGOs involved in interfaith work from Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine. The first two days were dedicated to discuss the findings of a book entitled « Unity in Diversity: The Interreligious Dialogue » written by Dr. Mohammed Abu Nimer and Dr. Amal Khoury. During the third day the participants agreed to form the Arab Network for Dialogue, which will be formed by all institutions and NGOs that are active in the interfaith work in the Arab World. Mr. El Halabi was selected on the follow up committee as a representative of Lebanon. For further information see :www.ceos.org.eg
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) is a fellowship of churches in the Middle East, which foster the ecumenical movement in the region. It brings together almost all the region’s Christians in a body that focuses on strengthening the relations between churches, between Christians and non-Christians in the region, and between members of the body of Christ within and outside the region. In bringing these different churches together, MECC seeks to serve the needs of the broader society, by engaging in diakonical work, advocacy, education and training on behalf of the whole church, rather than one part of it. The MECC is founded in 1974 through its first General Assembly. The Council’s head quarter is in Beirut, Lebanon. However, regional offices in Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Jerusalem exist.
Contact: MECC International Ecumenical Relations For Contribution:
Middle East Council
of Churches
ANNEX
MECC GENERAL SECRETARY’S ADDRESS TO PARTNERS
MECC Partners’
Meeting
Your Eminences, Graces, Reverends and Sirs, Presidents of the Middle East Council of Churches And Members of the Executive Committee
Dear Partners and Colleagues, Many of you are asking why are we meeting today, and will be meeting in November as scheduled. The reason is that the Presidents of the MECC believe that the priority on the agenda of the Council is vital for the collaboration with our partners. We were very sorry we have been unable to meet with you in May because of the unstable situation in Lebanon. Nevertheless, the Presidents felt that a meeting with you, the soonest possible, is critically important for the witness of the MECC, especially at this hectic time the region is passing through, and as the Council is engaged- in compliance with the decision of the last assembly- in process of reorganizing and revitalizing the Christian Witness in the Middle East region. Needless to say that the Christian Presence is one of the hottest issues that the churches are facing in the region. Thus, Christian Muslim migration from the Middle East, which is mainly related to the political crisis, violent confrontation, social breakdowns and economic misery, became a serious issue, as it affects Christian presence in a significant way. In Lebanon, for instance the deadly clashes that erupted in May, as well as the latest fighting in the Northern city of Tripoli were indications of the fragile nature of the situation in Lebanon. However, we were very stress-free with the recent positive developments in Lebanon, including the signing of the Doha accord, the election of a new president and the formation of the first unity government Cabinet. We were very delighted also with the recent humanitarian movement on the prisoner-swap deal between Israel and Hizbullah. Even though more work is still needed to be done to restore the situation in Lebanon, mainly to "disarm militias", demarcate the border, stop arms smuggling and find a solution to the Shebaa Farms and Ghajar areas. As for Iraq, the Government is overcoming discouraging challenges and working together to rebuild the country, after years of war, dictatorship and neglect. The situation in Iraq appears to have improved beyond anyone's hopes or expectations. The government has achieved effective control over much of the country, thanks to a much-improved Iraqi security forces bolstered by increased oil revenues. We pray that much efforts will be put to end the tragic situation and persecution that Christians in Iraq are enduring due to the constant threats and attacks against them.. In addition of being subject to threats, killings, and protection payments, Christians are also being forced to leave their own homes leaving everything behind. It is worth mentioning that the Analysts worry that the departure of the Christian community from Iraq, which has roots going back to antiquity, could make it more difficult to pacify the country. As for Palestine, Palestinian Christians appeal to the conscience of the West, and to the government of the United States, that Palestinian Christianity may suffer if justice and peace are not implemented in Israel-Palestine soon. It is very true that the fundamental problem for Palestinian Christians is the same as that for all Palestinians: the occupation of lands, and the brutal Israeli measures against the entire Palestinian community. All Palestinians and Israelis will continue to suffer insecurity, economic deprivation, and death from the inhumane status quo of occupation until Israel comply with UN resolutions. I cannot forget to mention the gloomy situation in my country Egypt and the last crisis that erupted between Christians and Muslims. The regional political situation is not the only problem that faces all people and the Council in the Middle East. The financial situation and the inflation are critical and very pressing on everyone, forcing MECC to find ways in order to be able to respond to current problems and difficulties.
In this respect, the Council deemed inevitable to start the process of the restructuring to establish the basic objectives for MECC as a whole, in order to give guidance and priorities to its various activities and programs. With the restructuring process, the Council strives to preserve identity, aims and continuation of its services.
What is important about our exercise in general, is how we as a Council of Churches can participate in developing, clarifying the Council's future role in the region, in ways that meet the expectations of the faithful, the Church Leaderships, and the needs of the Churches. What is also important is how the Council -through and in cooperation with the Churches- can create ecumenical awareness on the local ecclesiastical level in general.
In Conclusion: The Council is committed to fulfill the aims it was established for, and which are stated in the Constitution:
- Enhancement of Christian presence to enable people be committed, Enjoy freedom, peace and equality in national rights and duties.
- Promotion and support of a Systematic Christian-Muslim Dialogue aimed at creating mutual understanding for the consolidation of peace and good relations among peoples for the benefit of Humanity. Given recent events and changes in the region, the Christian – Muslim Dialogue has become indispensable. This is especially true since dialogue equally provides both Christians and Muslims with a common sense of Arab citizenship and Identity in the Middle East. So, through the MECC, dialogue is an important part of the common mission of the Churches.
- Developing and organizing local and international human and financial resources to support the service of Middle Eastern Churches. This involves consultation with the supporting agencies and partners churches abroad.
- Provision of humanitarian services, which embody the common concern all member churches have towards all people and all creation fulfilling thus their witness to God’s justice and peace worldwide.
In this regard, and as part of its vocation, MECC has operated in relief and humanitarian aid interventions in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. Since becoming a member of ACT International, MECC has carried out relief and rehabilitation operations for affected communities with funds from ACT members.
ICNDR is the relief and development branch of the MECC in Lebanon since 1975. In order to revitalize ICNDR, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by MECC, ICNDR and ACT and circulated to the Partners with funding request.
An interim ICNDR Board oversees the work of the ICNDR. We are eager to reach the projected target with this process.
At the end, it is within our interest at MECC to establish good relationships with most of the International Ecumenical organizations and Councils, which may enhance and develop better understanding about Christians in the Middle East, support and advocate for the affiliated fragile issues that face the churches in the region.
I would like to thank all of you for responding to our proposal and being with us today. We thank you for your precious support to the Council being morally, informally, and financially.
May God bring peace to the world and to our wounded Iraq, may He stop the bleeding in the Gaza Strip, give back to the Palestinian people their rights to live in peace, and unify the minds and hearts of the leaders in Lebanon.
Guirguis Ibrahim Saleh MECC, 23/7/2008 General Secretary The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
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