The Churches of Lebanon, Middle East Council of Churches, and the Taizé community are holding an International Ecumenical Youth Meeting in Beirut which will last until March 26.

The conference theme is “The Righteous shall grow like a Cedar of Lebanon.”

The gathering has created the opportunity for around 1,600 young men and women ages 18-35 from Lebanon and 43 countries around the world to experience the ecumenical spirit.

“The youth coming from outside Lebanon will be hosted by Lebanese families, not only for shelter, but to exchange cultures and experiences,” said Toufic Bouhadir, coordinator of the organizing committee.

Youth from Muslim communities will join the conference on 25 March.

Dr Souraya Bechealany, secretary general of the Middle East Council of Churches, reflected on activating the ecumenical spirit and work among young people.

She said, “This is not a passing meeting. “It is rather a spiritual youth event that aims at deepening the roots of faith, hope, and unity among the Christian youth by showing the wealth of their diverse church and national identities.”

She also said, "Together we stand in a love prayer stronger than all the wars and tensions ... Together we stood yesterday and we will continue for the next two days with the ecumenical Taizé group along with 1,600 young men and women from 43 different countries .. We pray and work hand in hand to build unity bridges out of diversity.

Brother Alois: Our small community in Lebanon includes 8 monks from all the churches, but our relationship with Lebanon is old. We believe and see that the power of peace in this country is stronger than anything else.

Christians can engage in a dialogue with Muslims in this country, and Lebanon can be a gateway of understanding between East and West. This relationship is fundamental to Lebanon, it’s true, but also to humanity.