wfn.org | MECC: Christian & Muslim Youth Discuss Challenges of

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

This workshop organized by the MECC Christian-Muslim Dialogue program for
youth of both communities from September 6-9, 2005 in Amman, Jordan, was
titled "Christian and Muslim Youth and the Challenges of Co-existence:
Promoting a Culture of Acceptance".

The opening of the workshop took place in the presence of the Heads of
Churches in Jordan, Dr. Hamed Al Rifai, Dr. Kamel Al Sherif, Jordanian
government representatives, Mr. Basel Al Tarwna, Communication Director in
Jordan, and MECC General Secretary, Mr. Guirgis Saleh, who addressed the 200
Christian and Muslim participants attending the opening session.

60 young men and women from Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt participated in
the workshop that followed. Palestinian and Iraqi youth were, regrettably,
unable to attend due to the situation in their countries. Discussions
following the different presentations on the topic led to a number of
affirmations and recommendations, including: the imperative of coexistence
in the Arab communities and the necessity of a joint denial of extremism and
radicalism. Participants affirmed that the two communities in the Middle
East region are partners in land and citizenship, and are united in their
diversity. They invited Arab Christians to play a bridge-building role
between the West and Islam, presenting Islam as a religion of peace and
forgiveness. Arab Muslims were called to affirm that Christians belong to
the Arab Nation, recognizing their contributions in building the Arab
civilization and in protecting their rights.  Both Christians and Muslims
were called to continue to live according to their faith and human values so
that they may face racism and fanaticism and to help Western churches that
are aware of the issues of the region, to advocate for them.

Participants called on the media to disseminate positive models of
coexistence throughout the Middle East, despite the negative experiences
that could be addressed through dialogue.  Arab youths, convinced in the
core value of coexistence and dialogue, will remain the basis of a society
in which values of peace, justice and freedom can be multiplied and
disseminated.

On this occasion, participants condemned the violence in the Middle East,
asking God to grant His Grace and Peace on these countries. For more
information, kindly contact Mr. Guirgis Saleh at guirgissaleh@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/