The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs

In the “Season of Creation”:

“The environment is the most significant gift the Creator has bestowed upon us. Let us protect it out of respect for the One who gave it to us”

It is true that the world is struggling as a result of conflicts, wars and crises that have cast their shadows all over the earth, especially in the wounded Middle East, but clinging to hope remains a source of strength and determination amidst all the challenges that surround human. Hence, the “Season of Creation” comes to constitute a Season of Prayer and hope to praise the Lord, the God of justice and peace. The Season calls us to continue praying and working together in order to preserve creation and protect our common home.

On the occasion of this environmental and Ecumenical Season, which extends between 1 September and 4 October of each year, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs, delivered a word to the people of the Middle East and the world, entitled “Crisis Creation and the Forgiving Creator,” in which he talked about the importance of the environmental issue. He stressed the necessity of the environmental advocacy and concerted efforts to protect creation, and condemned all actions that threaten it. Dr. Abs also shed light on the environmental and Theological activity being implemented by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in addition to its work for the “Season of Creation.”

Dr. Abs began his word by highlighting the environmental reality and said “There is a frantic race in the world between those who strive to protect the environment, willing to sacrifice everything for its sake, and those who, driven by selfishness and armed with ignorance, persist in its destruction to secure interests that prioritize profit above all else.”

He continued “Environmental advocates have only two human weapons: knowledge and morality. They seek advocacy to amplify their voice and grow their support, but their influence remains limited against their opponents, who are armed with vested interests and their consequences.

The enemies of the environment are relentlessly destroying it, embarking on an irreversible path. If they are aware of their actions, it is a calamity; if they are unaware, the calamity is even greater.

Environmentalists, though weary, are not disheartened as they continue to battle the dragons that devour our environment: the dragon of industry, chemical waste, nuclear waste, and the dragon of human apathy.”

As for the MECC work, Dr. Abs mentioned that “The Middle East Council of Churches, rooted in its theological faith, has been actively defending our beleaguered environment for years. The MECC has engaged in various environmental fields, including theological, media, cultural, and practical efforts on the ground through reforestation and awareness campaigns.

For four years, the MECC has observed the Season of Creation from its beginning on September 1st to its conclusion on October 4th. Throughout the year, between these two seasons, the Council carries out all the activities mentioned above through its Environmental Justice Unit, established to oversee environmental initiatives.”

Dr. Abs also stressed the need to pursue environmental efforts without losing hope for a better future, pointing out that “Despite the extensive damage inflicted on our environment and the increasingly violent and rapid climate changes the world is witnessing, hope remains to save the environment as much as possible and rescue it from the clutches of its predators.

The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Dr. Michel Abs ended his word by saying “At the Middle East Council of Churches, we place great reliance on science and technology to defend the environment and combat its assailants. However, we place even greater trust in the belief that the Creator entrusted the environment to us in a pure and sound state. It is our foremost duty to preserve it and pass it on to future generations in the same condition.

The environment is the most significant gift the Creator has bestowed upon us. Let us protect it out of respect for the One who gave it to us.”