A consultation organized by the MECC International Ecumenical Relations, from March 1-2, 2006, in Amman, Jordan, brought together around 30 representatives of Christian and Muslim Humanitarian Service Organizations to discuss how to promote Christian-Muslim dialogue, mutual understanding and common living in justice and peace, through humanitarian service. The topics discussed included the development of a platform/network for dialogu e and rapprochement between Christian and Muslim Service organizations, cooperation and mechanisms of collaboration between service organizations a s a necessity to promote common living and work for just development and peace, and creating conditions for just development and peace in the Middle East region. Personal testimonies underlined experiences of joint action in different countries of the region that could serve as models of collaboration. Small group and plenary discussions lead to a number of practical recommendations for follow up at regional and local/national levels. Recommendations include the formation of a joint committee between the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue and the MECC to provide the religious and conceptual basis for this ³dialogue for life² through joint action in service of all and a working group to coordinate and network on the practical level, to conduct a mapping of Christian and Muslim Service organizations in the region and to establish a code of conduct. At the micr o local, the selection of local groups would encourage and promote joint initiatives between organizations. The event was widely covered by the Jordanian media. A detailed report of the Consultation is underway. For mor e information, kindly contact Ms. Aline Papazian at mecc@cyberia.net.lb
Middle East Council of Churches Office of International Ecumenical Relations P.O. Box 5376, Beirut, Lebanon
Guirgis Ibrahim Saleh, General Secretary
mecc@cyberia.net.lb or guirgissaleh@cyberia.net.lb
+961-1-353-938 http://www.mec-churches.org/