Ecumenical Youth Empowerment in a New Leadership Training: Together for a Better World!

In continuation of the Ecumenical Youth Camp “Youth Leadership Building" in Lebanon, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) implemented a new training within this program, stemming from its belief in the importance of empowering youth and developing their capabilities. It was held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Moore Conference Center & Guesthouse in Mansourieh - Lebanon. Noting that the program was organized in partnership with Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization, Bible Society, Youth for Christ (YFC), and Ithraa Center in Lebanon.

Attendees were 36 youth and 11 leaders from different Church Families, who participated in the previous Ecumenical camp. The course comes at a time when young people face many challenges that may often hinder their usual activities. Therefore, this meeting aimed to develop the skills of the participants, motivate them to serve, and train them on the foundations of leadership, thus contributing to the formation of youth networks capable of making positive change in societies.

The course included various games that brought the participants closer together, as well as dynamic sessions that focused on leadership skills, as well as how to deal with crises and ways to work together to build a brighter future in peace.

A Webinar Organized by the WCC

MECC Highlights the Church’s Response in the Region to the Environmental Crises

In a world burdened by environmental disasters that have cast their shadows on the planet, the World Council of Churches (WCC) held an international webinar entitled “Churches in the Mediterranean: Addressing Desertification Through Responsible Banking,” in order to raise awareness about the various environmental issues that threaten human life.

The webinar, which was held on Monday, December 9, 2024, featured speakers from Member Churches in the region, experts from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) represented by Deacon Garen Yosolkanian, the Coordinator of the MECC Eco-Justice Unit, the Conference of European Churches (CEC), and All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), as well as Dr. Mercedes Caron, Scientific Researcher at the European Forest Institute.

Attendees were also specialists and concerned participants from various countries around the world. The sessions focused on the issue of desertification in the Mediterranean region, its causes and repercussions, in addition to ways to confront it and reduce its negative effects. In this context, the speakers presented various facts and data about this worsening issue due to the ongoing increase of CO2 emissions, and how Churches respond to this problem.

Developing Youth Skills Towards Healthy Societies

They are the backbone of societies and an essential part for building a brighter future. They are also a source of vitality, health and well-being... They are the youth, carrying many energies and creativity with which they may benefit their communities and societies. However, young people today, in light of all the development that the world is witnessing amidst a wave of conflicts, are exposed to many challenges and difficulties that may limit their usual activity. Therefore, it has become necessary to care for them, educate them, develop their abilities, and protect them from all the pressures that surround them.

Hence, and in the context of supporting the youth, a new program was launched entitled “Youth Leadership Building”, which is a joint project organized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in partnership with Kerk in Actie (KIA) organization, Bible Society, Youth for Christ (YFC), and Ithraa Center in Lebanon. The program aims to develop youth skills, motivate them to serve, and train them on the foundations of leadership. It also contributes to the formation of youth networks capable of making positive change in their communities.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), represented by Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department, participated in the General Assembly of the “Danmission” organization held in the Danish city of Nyborg, between 31 August and 1 September 2024.

The first meeting was with the “Danmission” Board, in the presence of the new Secretary General of the organization Mrs. Julie Koch, and the participation of representatives of the organizations invited to the General Assembly, including Reverend Dr. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Churches in Egypt and the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, and Dr. Nayla Tabbara, Director of Adyan Foundation.

The General Assembly included a special session entitled “Tour of the World,” during which each of “Danmission’s” partners gave a presentation about the organizations and regions they represent, accompanied by the regional Directors of these regions. During this session, the part dedicated to the Middle East region was moderated by Mrs. Kristen Auken, the Director of the region in “Danmission”, where she highlighted the circumstances that the Middle East is passing through.

In his turn, Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar spoke about the history of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), its structure, goals, and the activities it implements, in addition to the experience of cooperation with “Danmission” and the aspirations for future joint work. He also talked about the situation of the Church in the region and the challenges it faces, especially in responding to the crises taking place in the Middle East.

With the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All The East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox Family, His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Saad, the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Bosra, Hauran, and Jabal Al-Arab, inaugurated the halls of the Lady of Annunciation Church in the city of Dara’a, after MECC completed its rehabilitation work. 

The opening ceremony was attended by the MECC team, the Governor of Dara’a Loae Khareta, in addition to political and judicial figures, the members of the City Council, and a large gathering of residents.

The event began with a Prayer of Thanksgiving led by His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Saad in the Lady of Annunciation Church, followed by a speech in which he thanked MECC for restoring the Church halls. Then, he made the inauguration and visited the halls with the attendees. As well as, His Eminence visited the office of MECC in Dara’a.

MECC Implements a New Session of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” Program for Jordan and Palestine

Within the framework of the “Spiritual and Psychological Support” program implemented by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Theological and Ecumenical Department, in various countries of the Middle East, a new session of the program was dedicated for Jordan and Palestine, between 21 and 26 July 2024, at Theodor Schneller School - Amman.

The session, which was titled “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6: 31), was held at a time when the region is witnessing a series of wars, conflicts, and crises that have burdened the people of the East and disrupted their usual activities. Thus, that they became in dire need of spiritual and psychological accompaniment to help them restore hope to their lives.