Professor Michel Abs

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

The phrase “fear of God” is widely used among people and has become universally associated with virtue. It is commonly applied as a positive attribute to describe those of good character who are trusted and respected by their communities.

As a believer who has deeply contemplated religious faith—both in its metaphysical and social dimensions, I find that this phrase reflects an incomplete understanding of the Creator of the Universe and the role of religion in society.

To act in your daily life, in your relationships, in your dealings with others, out of fear of the Lord who has given you everything is, in essence, an accusation. It accuses the Creator, glory be to Him, and His creatures, who are inspired by the One who formed creation.

To act out of fear suggests that the human being is innately inclined to evil and can only be restrained by fear of a higher power that will punish and retaliate harshly. It implies that a human being cannot be trusted unless constantly threatened with doom and destruction. This presumes that mankind is inherently bad and cannot be relied upon.

On the other hand, the phrase also implies that the Creator has a harsh heart, one who constantly threatens His creatures with punishment and casts a shadow over their daily lives. It turns the universe into an open courtroom, where every being is judged with eternal reward or punishment, and humanity is always under surveillance, standing trial…

25-4-2025

An Interview with Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, President of the Lutheran Federation, MECC Honorary President, and One of the Presidents of the Religions for Peace Organization

The General Coordinator of APECL Jeune in Lebanon Lawyer Roy Jreich in an Interview with the MECC Media:

"His Holiness gave youth his thoughts, heart, his life. He listened to their challenges, concerns, hopes, and aspirations"

Exclusive: Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)

"Walk in hope!  Hope overcomes all weariness, every crisis and every worry. It gives us a powerful incentive to press forward, for it is a gift received from God himself. The Lord fills our life with meaning, sheds light on our path and shows us its ultimate direction and goal."

This is what His Holiness Pope Francis wanted from youth in his message on the occasion of the 39th World Youth Day. He wanted them to embark on a journey as pilgrims, discover life through love, seek God’s face, and experience God's merciful embrace.

His Holiness Pope Francis, a friend of youth and their greatest supporter, has accompanied them in many stages, celebrations, conferences, and gatherings. On every occasion, he encouraged them to strengthen their faith and face life's challenges with hope and perseverance. He was the one who called on them to seek happiness, without giving up, and to have the courage to replace fears with dreams.

Between these Papal encounters and events, many youth experiences from the Middle East and the world document the closeness of His Holiness to today's youth and the future leaders.

Talking About the Journey of His Holiness Pope Francis and the Issue of Genocides

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs was the guest of an episode on Mariam TV. He was interviewed by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Media Officer, the Coordinator of the Church and Media Relations, and the Director of the Platform of the Word at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), along with the Journalist George Maalouli, the Programs’ Director of Mariam TV.

The episode focused on the spiritual journey and humanitarian mission of His Holiness Pope Francis, highlighting his key achievements, positions, and apostolic visits. It will also include a discussion on genocides, massacres, and the silence around the disappearance of the Archbishops of Aleppo Youhanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi.

Additionally, the episode featured reports, spots, and videos produced by the media team of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which continues to provide a special coverage about the latest Vatican updates.