At the invitation of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), and in the presence of its President His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira ad Great Britain,  Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Dr. Michel Abs participated, online, at the CEC’s governing board meeting held on Friday, November 22, 2024, in Brussels.

For the occasion, the MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Abs delivered from Beirut a speech in which he highlighted the grave challenges facing the Middle East, calling on the European Churches to support and pray for the region, on the intention of peace and justice.

Professor Dr. Abs spoke about the difficult circumstances that the region is passing through, especially as it lives under siege and faces political unrest, instability, and insecurity for decades. He pointed out that "the Middle East is witnessing a rise of discrimination and deep political divisions. Economic conditions are deteriorating, forcing many, especially Christians, to emigrate."

Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs also described the tragic situation in Lebanon which is torn by wars, conflicts, and crises that have led to widespread destruction, a rise of displacement, and significant social disorder. He said, "Lebanon is in a state of total social collapse, with an uncertain and gloomy future."

In this context, Dr. Abs talked about the mission of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), shedding light on its work, as well as its ecumenical and humanitarian goals. He also outlined the MECC's strategic vision and mphasized four key pathways for its future, namely maintaining core activities in social services, theology, and communication; strengthening its role as a dialogue platform; fostering knowledge exchange and accumulation; and advancing as a networking hub.

nd, Dr. Abs urged the European Churches to join in solidarity. He said, "We need your prayers, your support, and your partnership to strengthen Churches in the Middle East. Together, we can sustain hope amidst these immense challenges."

His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, president of CEC, thanked Dr. Abs for his heartfelt message, assuring him that European churches’ continue prayers for peace and their solidarity with the Middle East during these challenging times.

It is worth mentioning that the Conference of European Churches (CEC) had issued messages of solidarity with the Middle East Council of Churches, offering its prayers on behalf of the European churches.