Middle East Socioeconomic Overview

Report: September 2023

During September, the IMF released an unsettling report using which it warned of an imminent debt crisis that would impact the Middle East.  According to the agency, the region will witness a systematic default and economic collapse not seen since the start of the Lebanese financial crisis in 2019. Separate findings by both the IMF and Bloomberg economists have identified Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan and Bahrain as critically vulnerable countries that could default on their sovereign debt obligations, with potentially catastrophic implications for their economies and populations.

Within the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium

Between the environment and Theology, researchers and specialists gathered at the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium organized by The Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME). Its sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.

During the Symposium, speakers and participants explained that the issue of creation is at the core of our faith. They also stressed the importance of the Church’s role in reducing injustice to the environment. Hence, you will find, in the video, some opinions and aspirations from the Symposium’s participants.

Details about the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Symposium’s first day

Details of the Symposium’ second day

And the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium

On the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) held an Ecumenical Prayer Service on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University, Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon. As well as, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) organized “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium, on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik (USEK), and Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) – Beirut.

The “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium, organized by the Middle East Council of Churches in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), was an important opportunity to shed light on the role of the Church towards the environment, based on the environmental Theology and our Christian faith. This is what the Symposium’s participants focused on. Thus, you can find some of their opinions and experiences in the video.

Noting that the Symposium’s sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.

Details about the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Symposium’s first day

Details of the Symposium’ second day

Written by Mr. Fouad Hassoun and Translated by Father Dr. Michel Kanbar

Dar El Mashreq published the book “I Forgave” in Arabic, written by Mr. Fouad Hassoun, who is blind, and translated by Father Dr. Michel Kanbar, Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), Priest of Saint Joseph Parish El Hajjeh – Lebanon, and University Professor.

The book signing took place on Tuesday 10 October 2023, in the Humanities Campus at Saint Joseph University (USJ) - Beirut.

About the book, Father Kanbar says, “This book, entitled with a four-letter word, is not only a book for reading, but rather a book for contemplation and consideration. It is a school for life, a school for learning forgiveness and living a life of forgiveness, because it is the Passover of every Christian.”

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in Jordan announces the beginning of new vocational training courses that aims at empowering vulnerable young men and women in order to create job opportunities for both from the neediest communities of refugees and locals.

By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, MECC aims to showcase the power of unity and collaboration in the communities. These courses have been specifically designed to provide opportunities for young women and men, by learning and working.

In the vocational courses implemented by MECC, the team equips the participants with valuable skills which have the potential to make profound behavioral changes, investing in the potential of our participants to be leaders of positive change that can contribute to the well-being of their families and communities.

And the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium

On Télé Lumière and Noursat

On the occasion of the “Season of Creation” 2023 ending, the Middle East Council of Churches organized an Ecumenical Prayer Service under the title “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, on Wednesday 4 October 2023, hosted by the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) – Lebanon, with the participation of Church Leaders from various Ecclesiastical Families.

Stemming from its belief in the importance of preserving God’s creation, working to protect our common home, and enhancing environmental Theological awareness, the Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), organized a Symposium entitled “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”. Its sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.

The video presents a report broadcasted on Télé Lumière and Noursat, which includes a highlight of the Ecumenical Prayer Service and the Opening of the Symposium. The report was prepared by the journalist Lea Adel Maamary.

In the new issue of the weekly newsletter Momentum issued by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Communication and Public Relations Department, you can find two Editorials by the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs. The first Editorial is entitled “Between the gift of the Creator and the futility of creature... the search for justice” and it is the Welcoming speech that Dr. Abs delivered at the conference “Ecumenical Approaches to Climate Change”, in the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik, Lebanon - October 4, 2023. The second Editorial is entitled “Again, on the Path of Spiritual Renewal facing Challenges”, and it is the speech that Dr. Abs delivered at the Opening of the General Assembly of the Association of Theological Seminaries in the Middle East at St. John of Damascus Theological Seminary, Balamand, Lebanon - October 3, 2023.

You can also find details, photos and a video about the Ecumenical Prayer held by MECC on the occasion of the “Season of Creation” on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik (USEK). In addition to details, photos and a video about the symposium entitled “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”, which was held by MECC in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik (USEK), and Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) – Beirut.

The Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), organized the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium, which sessions were held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, and on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut. During the Symposium, the participants stressed the importance of the Church’s role towards the environment, which is a gift from God the Creator. Hence, you can find some of the participants’ opinions and aspirations in the video.

Written by Mr. Fouad Hassoun and Translated by Father Dr. Michel Kanbar

Tuesday 10 October 2023 - 7 pm, at the Humanities Campus at Saint Joseph University, Beirut

Dar El Mashreq published the book “I Forgave” in Arabic, written by Mr. Fouad Hassoun, who is blind, and translated by Father Dr. Michel Kanbar, Executive Secretary of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), Priest of Saint Joseph Parish El Hajjeh – Lebanon, and University Professor.

The book signing will take place on Tuesday 10 October 2023, at 7 pm Beirut Time in the Humanities Campus at Saint Joseph University (USJ), Beirut, Building C – conference room.

1- Between the gift of the Creator and the futility of creature... the search for justice

2- Again, on the Path of Spiritual Renewal facing Challenges

Welcoming speech by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches

Dr. Michel Abs

At the conference “Ecumenical Approaches to Climate Change”

Holy Spirit University - Kaslik - October 4, 2023

And Speech of Dr. Michel Abs

Delivered at the Opening of the General Assembly of the Association of Theological Seminaries in the Middle East

St. John of Damascus Theological Seminary, Balamand - October 3, 2023

(ATIME)

Holds Its General Assembly Meeting Hosted by the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology - Balamand, Lebanon

With the blessings of His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox Family, the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) held its General Assembly meeting in its first regular session for the academic year 2023-2024, on Tuesday 3 October 2023, hosted by the Saint John of Damascus Institute of Theology - Balamand, Lebanon.

Attendees were the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs, President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East, and Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Institute at the University of Balamand in Lebanon, Archimandrite Dr. Jack Khalil, and the ATIME’s Executive Secretary Father Dr. Michael Kanbar, alongside Deans of 18 Institutes from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.

Organized by MECC in Cooperation with ATIME

Environmental Lectures Combining Theology and Science

For the second day in a row, the symposium “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”, continued its sessions at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut, at the invitation and organization of the Middle East Council of Churches in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME). It was held in the presence of their Eminences Bishops and Priests, Nuns and Monks, the President of the Saint Joseph University in Beirut Father Professor Salim Daccache, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Professor Michel Abs, alongside Deans, Professors and students from different Institutes of Theology, as well as specialists in the topic of environment and climate, and attendees concerned with the issue of climate and social justice.

The first part of the second day began with a speech delivered by Father Professor Salim Daccache, President of the Saint Joseph University in Beirut, in which he said “Your initiative is truly appreciated amidst the environmental problems that are threatening our world and the countries of our region. You have made a lot of efforts to organize this symposium. I am certain that the solidarity and cooperation of the Middle East Council of Churches and ATIME has led to this achievement that we witness today, which encourage the Church to prepare a policy of initiatives that concern the environment. The environmental issue is not marginal, but rather a responsibility to protect nature and creation."

The Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), organized a Symposium entitled “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”, which was inaugurated on Wednesday 4 October 2023, following and Ecumenical Prayer Service held for the occasion of the “Season of Creation”, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik – Lebanon. As for the second day of the Symposium, its sessions were held on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University in Beirut, which you can find a highlight of it in the video.

Speech of Dr. Dave Bookless, Director of Theology for “A Rocha International” Organization

At the “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium

The Middle East Council of Churches organized in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) a symposium entitled “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”. It was inaugurated on Wednesday 4 October 2023, following an Ecumenical Prayer Service held on the occasion of the “Season of Creation” at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik – Lebanon. The symposium continued its sessions on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut.

During the symposium’s opening, Dr. Dave Bookless, Director of Theology for “A Rocha International” organization, delivers the Keynote speech during which he said: “We are facing many dangers of human-caused climate change, alongside global biodiversity loss and growing inequality within societies, together form an existential threat to human thriving and potentially to the continued survival of human societies... As Christians we are called to turn to God in lament, repentance, reflection, and action. We draw on the resources of our tradition, particularly the biblical narratives of God’s purposes in sustaining and redeeming a good world…”

On the occasion of the “Season of Creation” 2023 which theme for this year is “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, the Middle East Council of Churches held an Ecumenical Prayer Service, that you can find a highlight of it in the video, on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) – Lebanon. It was followed by the opening of the Symposium “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”, organized by the Middle East Council of Churches in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME), which sessions has been continued on Thursday 5 October 2023, at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut.

With an Ecumenical Prayer Service at USEK - Lebanon

The Council Inaugurates in Cooperation with ATIME

The Symposium “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) concluded the “Season of Creation” for this year with an Ecumenical Prayer Service under the title “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, on Wednesday 4 October 2023, hosted by the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - Lebanon.

You can find an article by Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, the Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches, in which she talked about the contribution of the Danish Church in restoring life to the “Birds’ Nest” orphanage, which is located in the Lebanese region of Byblos. She also highlighted the most important historical stages that led to its founding and how it was established, as Mrs. Maria Jacobsen worked to manage and develop it in cooperation with the "Near East Relief" organization.

The Near East Relief

The Near East Foundation is a charitable organization, formerly known as the Near East Relief, it was established in 1915 as a result to the atrocities committed against the Armenians and other minority groups in the Ottoman Empire during WWI. The Ambassador Henry Morgenthau’s request for immediate assistance speeded up the process. As the atrocities against the Armenians escalated, The Near East Relief launched a series of fund raising and public awareness campaigns to shed light on the plight of the Armenians in Ottoman Turkey and to collect funds for relief efforts in the Near East.

On a Visit to the MECC Headquarters in Beirut

As part of building bridges and strengthening Ecclesiastical ties between the East and West, a delegation from the Diocese of Aalborg, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark, visited the offices of the Middle East Council of Churches’ General Secretariat, in Beirut, on Monday 2 October 2023. The delegation was received by the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Dr. Michel Abs, along with the MECC Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, and the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar.

The visiting delegation, which is making a tour in Lebanon facilitated by the “Danmission” organization, included Bishop Thomas Reinholdt Rasmussen, Dean Niels Christian Scheel Lassen, Dean Lisbeth Damgren, Pastor Theis Kvesel Aaen, Pastor Ruth Smed Folmersen, Mr. Anders Brødbæk Hummelmose. The visitors were also accompanied by a delegation from the "Danmission" organization, which included the Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Mrs. Kristen Auken, the Program Manager Mr. Antoine Abdel Massih, the Partnership Consultant Mathias Notden Larsen, and the Project Coordinator Sarah Jane Kalaha Redmond.

In the new issue of the weekly newsletter Momentum issued by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Communication and Public Relations Department, MECC issues its 2022 annual report which compiles in its pages the activities of the Middle East Council of Churches and the achievements it has accomplished at various Ecumenical, Theological and humanitarian levels. As for the weekly message of the MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, it is entitled this week “School Dropouts: Booby-Trapping the Future of a Nation”. Dr. Abs delivered this speech at the MECC monthly webinar which was held under the title “School Dropout and Human Dignity”, on Thursday 28 September 2023. This webinar is part of the MECC monthly seminars and comes within the framework of the “Human Dignity Project” - “Dialogue and Social Cohesion-Social Capital Rehabilitation”, which MECC is implementing consecutively.

In the issue, MECC invites you to participate in an Ecumenical Prayer it will organize on the occasion of the “Season of Creation” with the participation of Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and MECC President for the Evangelical Family. The Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday 4 October 2023, at 5 pm Beirut time, in the Pope John Paul II Amphitheater at the Holy Spirit University – Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon.