WCC NEWS: Former and current WCC leaders appointed ministers in Lebanese government

Dr Nora Bayrakdarian, current vice moderator of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, and former member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee, has been appointed Minister of Youth and Sports in the Lebanese Republic; and Dr Tarek Mitri, former WCC staff, has been appointed deputy prime minister. Dr Tarek Mitri  And Dr Nora Bayrakdarian-Kabakian.  Photo: Credit: WCC 11 February 2025 WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay extended congratulations to both. To Bayrakdarian, Pillay wrote: “Your new role comes at a time when Lebanon faces profound challenges, but also opportunities for renewal and transformation,” Pillay wrote. “May God bless you with wisdom, strength, and courage as you embark on this important journey of leadership.”  To Mitri, Pillay wrote: “Your distinguished career, spanning academia, diplomacy, and ecumenical service—including your invaluable contributions as a former staff member of the World Council of Churches—has long been marked by wisdom, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to peace and justice.” Pillay also commended Mitri’s extensive experience in interreligious dialogue. Mitri is a formerWCC programme executive who worked for the inter-religious dialogue and cooperation programmefrom 1991 to 2005. “At the WCC, we remember with gratitude your tireless efforts in promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, and the values of inclusive governance,” he wrote. “We pray that your new role will be marked by strength, discernment, and success in advancing the common good.” Pillay extended prayers and support to both new ministers. “May God's wisdom and grace accompany you in this new chapter of leadership,” he concluded. See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland