The Lebanon Forum of the International ACT Alliance Holds Its Annual Meeting
Hosted by the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut
His Eminence Archbishop Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh: "Let us work to enhance cooperation and solidarity to serve the little brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ with honesty and dignity"
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: "It is necessary to serve people with dignity and protect their rights"
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
With the blessing and presence of His Eminence Archbishop Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh, Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Beirut and Delegate of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches to the Diakonia and Social Service Department, and in coordination with MECC, the Lebanon Forum of the International ACT Alliance held its annual meeting on Monday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 4, 2025, hosted by the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut.
In the presence of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, participants were representatives of the members of ACT Alliance in Lebanon from various Church Families, associations, local, regional and international organizations.
After the opening Prayer, the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs welcomed the attendees, thanking His Eminence Archbishop Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh for his hospitality. He also introduced His Eminence to the participants, emphasizing his long Ecumenical career in the Middle East Council of Churches where he held many responsibilities, as well as in the Ecumenical world which he realizes its importance today in networking and cooperation. Professor Abs also mentioned the necessity of serving with dignity and preserving human rights.
Then, His Eminence Archbishop Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh delivered a speech in which he recalled the beginnings of his work in the Ecumenical field and the experience he gained at the Middle East Council of Churches and the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (A.T.I.M.E.). He also highlighted the importance of meeting together as international Christian institutions, especially in this region where Christianity originated. In addition, His Eminence valued the blessed service of ACT Alliance and thanked it on behalf of the Executive Committee for conveying the trust care to the little brothers and sisters of Jesus.
In addition, His Eminence thanked the Secretary General Professor Michel Abs for his continuous efforts in serving the Church and society. He also stressed the need to enhance cooperation and solidarity in serving the little brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ with honesty and dignity.
During the meeting, the attendees discussed their humanitarian work, the urgent needs of the people, and how to respond to the crises facing citizens in Lebanon and the region. They also exchanged opinions and experiences on the types and methodologies of humanitarian work and how to develop it in order to support every human being without any discrimination. The attendees also considered that health and educational needs have priority over any other needs as they affect society at its core.
The meeting ended with a Prayer hoping for further cooperation for the good of the Church and society.
