WCC NEWS: Middle East Council of Churches co-launches new media production center

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in partnership with Télé Lumière - Noursat, launched a new media production center. The new center, called "Manbar Al Kalima,” or “The Platform of the Word,” is equipped with the latest technology and modern tools—and they will be used to foster the wellbeing of humankind. Photo: Middle East Council of Churches 13 November 2024 MECC secretary general Prof. Dr Michel Abs stated: “Through the documents we aim to produce, we will address, from an ecumenical Christian perspective, all the phenomena concerning the modern individual.” The launch event was held 7 November in Beirut under the slogan "The Word Became Flesh.”  Manbar Al Kalima is one among several resources and initiatives launched in commemoration of the MECC’s 50th anniversary.    Dr Laure Abi Khalil, MECC project coordinator for the Social Capital Rehabilitation Project, noted in her speech that "media has numerous positive impacts, making it essential in modern society as a key tool for spreading human rights and faith values… From this platform, the council will voice its stance on changes affecting Middle Eastern society, impacting our values and social unity.” Media personality Lea Adel Maamari, head of the platform and coordinator of church and media relations at the MECC, emphasized in her speech that “Manbar Al Kalima is equipped with the latest technology and modern tools that we will use to foster humanity and the well-being of humankind, following God’s commandments of love, which empower us to overcome violence, wars, and crises. From this platform, the council will broadcast a range of human, ecclesial, social, and cultural programs, as well as church news and highlights of the council’s activities and projects, along with other media content that will air on various Christian media networks that are part of our ecumenical Christian media network.” Photo: Middle East Council of Churches Dr Marie-Thérèse Kreidi, program director of Télé Lumière - Noursat and representative of the station, said: “The Télé Lumière - Noursat group, which I am honored to represent here, is delighted by this ecclesial media achievement that pleases the Lord and serves His higher purposes, which are also our goals. We are fully prepared to continue, strengthen, and accomplish every joint action that reflects His light before humanity, so they may glorify Him, and together we become His witnesses in Jerusalem, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Caroline Haddad, MECC executive assistant, expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire MECC staff to Dr Abs, saying, “Dr Abs, you have not only built a new culture at the MECC but you have also created a space that encourages dedicated work with a passion for pushing boundaries in every mission we strive to accomplish… Indeed, it has become truly contagious!” Abs then delivered a speech, noting that “this initiative, in addition to the efforts of those working on it, did not come from nowhere. There exists a strong bond between Télé Lumière - Noursat and the Middle East Council of Churches, due to decades of interaction and the shared goal of unified Christian action… Through the documents we intend to produce, which are programmed within a general master plan for Manbar Al Kalima, we will address, from an ecumenical Christian perspective, all phenomena concerning the modern individual, who is influenced by waves of misleading media, diverting them from the righteous path of life.”  Watch the full video of the opening of the production center 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

WCC News: WCC shares greetings on 50th Jubilee of Middle East Council of Churches

The World Council of Churches (WCC) congratulated the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) on its 50th Jubilee.  Ain el Qassis, Lebanon. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 21 November 2023 “In these last five decades, the Middle East Council of Churches has been a beacon of hope, unity, and resilience in a region often torn by conflict and division,” wrote WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. “Its journey, defined by a steadfast commitment to ecumenism, justice, and service, demonstrates the transformative power of faith and fellowship in overcoming challenges and fostering peace.” Pillay expressed deep appreciation for the Middle East Council of Churches’ “unwavering dedication to promoting unity” among its member churches and sister ecumenical organizations. “It has been a source of hope and support for the younger generations, working extensively in education and healthcare, and serving refugees across the region,” wrote Pillay. “Your engagement in Palestine has been marked by solidarity with the Palestinian people, providing crucial assistance and advocating for peace and justice in the face of ongoing struggles.” Pillay also commended the Middle East Council of Churches’ interfaith engagement and understanding in the birthplace and enduring home of the three major Abrahamic traditions.  “And together you stand up for peace, for the displaced, for creation, and for the children, always alert for the redemptive possibilities emerging across boundaries of churches, religions, peoples, and nations,” wrote Pillay. “Your role will always be crucial as the challenges in the Middle East remain complex and multifaceted.” Pillay offered the WCC’s prayer for strengthening the bonds of fellowship, deepening ecumenical engagements, championing justice, and serving those in need. “May the Lord continue to bless your ministry and the faithful Christians whom you serve so well,” he wrote.  WCC Greetings on the Occasion of the 50th Jubilee of the Middle East Council of Churches Middle East Council of Churches 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 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

WCC NEWS: Middle East Council of Churches: “Live this time in strong spiritual solidarity”

On 26 March, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Regional Ecumenical Organizations released a historic joint pastoral statement affirming the urgency of standing together to protect life amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WCC has since been gathering viewpoints from diverse regions about the importance of taking care of our one human family.

Dr Souraya Bechealany is secretary general of the Middle East Council of Churches.

Why did you think it was important to support the historic statement of the Regional Ecumenical Organizations related to the COVID-19 response?

Dr Bechealany: At the moment when the COVID-19 crisis defies and questions the entirety of humanity, it is important for churches to raise their voices loud and clear together in the body of Christ to witness our faith and our hope in the risen Jesus Christ and dare the prophetic word we are entrusted with.

What do you think is the best outcome of the message?

Dr Bechealany: It is a call to protect our lives and health, and the health of the others, as the highest sign of love to God and to our neighbors. To live this time in strong spiritual solidarity with yourself and with humanity. It is also a call to consider this period as a blessed time that allows us to “profoundly reflect on the common good, good governance and ethical values rooted in our tradition.”

What is the role of the churches in your particular region at this time?

Dr Bechealany: Accompany the faithful in his trail through the desert, listen to him and give a meaning to the tough and challenging experiences he is undergoing. Suspend entirely the “worships,” the gatherings, and the parochial activities. In the framework of the health care as well as in research, allocate hospitals belonging to the churches to host cases infected with COVID-19. Involve universities in the research; the Lebanese experience is a convincing one in this sense. On the social level, support governments and public orders putting church buildings and social capacities and potentials at the service of the people. Support families and individuals in need.

In joint statement, ecumenical organizations across the world stand together to protect life (WCC news release 26 March 2020)

WCC landing page: Coping with the Coronavirus

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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway.

Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press
Our visiting address is:
World Council of Churches
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