WCC NEWS: Orthodox leaders assess Christian presence in the Middle East

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World Council of Churches - News

ORTHODOX LEADERS ASSESS CHRISTIAN PRESENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

For immediate release: 07 September 2011

At the invitation of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, leaders
from five historic centres of Christianity in the eastern Mediterranean
region met in early September to discuss matters of regional and global
concern. In addition to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Orthodox churches
of Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem and Cyprus were represented.

Chief among issues under discussion were the path toward peace in the
Middle East and the situation of minority Christian communities during a
time of turmoil. Other important topics included the preservation of the
earth’s endangered eco-systems and possibilities for fostering
inter-religious dialogue.

The meeting adopted a proposal for “an encounter of religious leaders in
the region, where a form of Mediterranean Charter would be drafted and
proclaimed”. The purpose of the charter would be to address
environmental concerns and “contribute to the peaceful coexistence and
cooperation among religions in this region today”.

See the full text of the Message of the Heads of the ancient Orthodox
Patriarchates and the time-honoured Autocephalous Church of Cyprus
(Link:
http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?RDCT=85dbee728a1ddeaf6bf7 ) (3
September 2011)

WCC activities in solidarity with churches in the Middle East
(Link: http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?RDCT=89b83efa2f87f76bf2a2 )

WCC and environmental concerns (Link:
http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?RDCT=547fef75b6cf943b4540 )


The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness 
and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of 
churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 349 Protestant, 
Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 560 million 
Christians in over 110 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman 
Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, 
from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway. Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.



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