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December 5, 2007

MECC reaffirms dialogue with Muslims

by Ecumenical News International

PAPHOS — Churches from the Middle East meeting in Cyprus have highlighted the importance of the Christian presence in the region and dialogue with Muslims.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) said in a statement on Dec. 4 after a meeting of its highest governing body, “The churches expressed their great concern about various land occupations and the perpetuation of the sufferings of the people caused by injustices and wars.”

The MECC also noted after its Nov. 26-30 assembly “the special anguish of Christians in Iraq and their forced emigrations from their homeland.”

The MECC includes churches in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories, Iraq and Cyprus. The council said it had addressed a message to the conference on the Middle East held in Annapolis in the United States, pleading for a just peace in the region and for Palestinians to be given their legitimate rights.

“The assembly of churches is looking forward to the day when the people in the Middle East can live in peace, harmony, and dignity. The churches called on the Palestinians, the Lebanese and the Iraqis to strive for the safety and the integrity of their respective countries,” the MECC said after the meeting. The MECC urged them “to embrace dialogue, and to overcome hatred and violence.”

The assembly also stressed the importance of “dialogue, cooperation and communication with all the Muslims in order to build a more peaceful and just world.”