The WCC Global Ecumenical Network Meeting on Migration (GEM) met in Nairobi, Africa, hosted by the All Africa Churches Commission (AACC) at Desmund Tutu Conference Center, from 5-8 June, 2007. 35 participants from Europe, Australia, Canada, Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, shared migration realities and concerns. As a result of wars, ethnic persecution, unemployment, poverty and climate changes; uprootedness is increasing in disproportionate figures making migration phenomenon an imperative issue challenging the churches to rediscover their identity, vocation and mission as the church of the stranger and to get involved in the ministry of uprooted in responding to the needs and issues of refugees, displaced and migrants. GEM meeting discussed the uncertainties on the future of Migration Justice Program within the WCC and funding projects, stemming from WCC 9th General Assembly to prioritize challenges. A letter of appeal on this matter to the WCC General Secretary was issued by GEM members. The Iraqi war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the outflow of Christian populations from the Middle East, poverty in Africa and global warming in the Pacific and the demeaning role of UNHCR, were reported to be the issues causing migration worldwide. It was expected that issues related to migration be addressed in a more ecumenical thinking and cooperation. Furthermore, participants were provided with information on the Migration and Development Conference that will be held in Brussels in July 2007 and the Public Hearing on the theme of Migration Realities and Changing the Ecclesial Context of Migration to be held in early 2008 in the Middle East. It is expected that members of GEM, WCC and CCME will participate in it. MECC members to the GEM meeting were: Mrs Seta Hadeshian, Director of the Unit on Life and Service, and Mr George Hazou DSPR Chairperson. For further information contact MECC/Life & Service Unit: meccls@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/