Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, led a delegation from AVOSA to the Annual General Meeting of the Gulf Christian Fellowship (GCF), held in Kuwait from 19 to 21 January, during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The meeting took place in a spirit of welcome and coexistence, at the gracious invitation of His Highness the Emir of Kuwait.

The gathering brought together archbishops, metropolitans, bishops, clergy, and representatives of the member Churches, along with observers from the five ecclesial families present in the Gulf region: the Anglican Church, the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and the Protestant Churches.

The Catholic Church was represented by delegations from the two Vicariates in the region. Bishop Paolo Martinelli led the AVOSA delegation, which included Fr. Darick D’Souza (Bishop’s Secretary), Fr. Stefano Luca (Director of the Office for Interfaith and Ecumenical Dialogue), and observers Fr. Stephen Lewis and Fr. Abishai Vase. The Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA) was also present, led by Bishop Aldo Berardi.

The meeting was a meaningful expression of ecumenical communion in a context marked by cultural and religious difference. Days of prayer, dialogue, and fraternal exchange were inspired by the biblical theme “Rooted and built up in Christ” (Col 2:7), encouraging participants to deepen their spiritual life and strengthen their shared Christian witness in service to the societies in which they live.

Participants also engaged in moments aimed at fostering mutual understanding among the Churches. Each of the five ecclesial families led a time of prayer, reflection, or Bible study, offering insights drawn from their own Christian traditions. Visits to different churches further enriched the program, allowing participants to learn more about their history, tradition, presence, and positive contribution to Kuwaiti society.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the members of the Gulf Christian Fellowship jointly drafted and signed a declaration reaffirming their commitment to Christian unity and their desire to continue working together in bearing common witness to Christ in the Gulf region.