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Women in Lebanon: “Stop the Madness of War, Lebanon deserves to live!”

In the midst of the devastating war sweeping Lebanon, killing and displacing its people, the Women's Pastoral Office of the Maronite Church in Bkerki, Lebanon has launched a cry and  issued a statement entitled “Stop the Madness of War, Lebanon deserves to live!" Abboud Mzawak, coordinator of the office, took time to reflect on the motivation behind the statement, some of the daily realities women are facing, and how women across the world can help.

WCC condemns escalating violence in the Middle East

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay condemned the escalating violence in the Middle East, including Israel's recent airstrikes on Iran and its ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. 

WCC reiterates important role of UN relief agency in Gaza, Lebanon

World Council of Churches (WCC) moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm and director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs Peter Prove met online with representatives from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). 

WCC condemns attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

The World Council of Churches calls on all parties to respect UN peacekeepers mandate and to commit to diplomacy and dialogue. Peace cannot be achieved through violence, but only through genuine negotiations and a commitment to justice and reconciliation.

Church leaders ask for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon

An online meeting was convened on 4 October by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to express solidarity and support, and to provide a safe and constructive space for sharing, reflection, and discussion on the critical challenges currently facing Lebanon. The Middle East Council of Churches and ACT Alliance also participated in the virtual meeting. 

WCC gravely concerned by attacks on Lebanon

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep sadness and grave concern over the escalating violence and attacks on Lebanon. As followers of Christ and stewards of peace, we reaffirm our commitment to justice and the protection of human dignity and lives,” he said. We unequivocally condemn the use of violence, particularly in civilian areas, which has caused immense suffering, destruction, and the tragic loss of life.”

Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches of the Near East commemorates centennial

The Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches of the Near East (UAECNE) gathered for a celebratory service on 30 June at the First Armenian Evangelical Church of Beirut. The service, commemorating the centennial of the union, was attended by representatives of churches from different Middle Eastern and global churches, the ambassador of Armenia, Lebanese members of Parliament, representatives of Armenian political parties, pastors, and a large number of members of Armenian Evangelical congregations.

WCC general secretary will visit Lebanon

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay will visit Lebanon from 19-22 March, to commemorate the 50th jubilee of the Middle East Council of Churches and meet with all WCC member churches from Lebanon and Syria. 

WCC extends condolences upon passing of Dr Gabriel Habib

World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca extended condolences on behalf of the global fellowship upon the passing of Dr Gabriel Habib, who served the Middle East Council of Churches as secretary general from 1977 to 1994, and was also involved for many years in the ecumenical movement.

Promoting human dignity through art

“Affirming justice and human dignity”  was the theme of the fourth thematic plenary of the World Council of Churches(WCC) 11th assembly on 6 September. The presentation featured a wheelchair dance performance by Fadi El Halabi, a wheelchair user and Ms. Karen Abi Nader, an international artist. In the freestyle dance, Halabi effortlessly spinned around his wheelchair and,  with slow coordinated moves together with his dance partner, threw hands in the air symbolizing the joy that can only be felt when all exclusionary and disempowerment practices in church and society are addressed.