Middle East Council of Churches

Middle East Council of Churches is a fellowship of Christian churches in the Middle East, founded in 1974 by Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria, Patriarch Ignatius Jacob III, and Archbishop George Khodr. The council aims to promote unity and cooperation among its member churches, including the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch, Syriac Orthodox Church, and Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. The council's establishment was also supported by World Council of Churches, Roman Catholic Church, and Protestant Church in the Netherlands.

● History

The Middle East Council of Churches was formed in response to the growing need for ecumenism and cooperation among Christian churches in the Middle East. The council's founding was influenced by the Second Vatican Council, which emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation. The council's early years were marked by the participation of prominent church leaders, including Patriarch Demetrios I of Constantinople, Pope John Paul II, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The council has also been involved in various initiatives, such as the Alexandria Declaration, which aimed to promote peace and understanding in the Middle East.

● Organization

The Middle East Council of Churches is governed by a general assembly, which meets every four years to elect a new executive committee. The council's executive committee is composed of representatives from its member churches, including the Maronite Church, Chaldean Catholic Church, and Evangelical Church in Germany. The council also has a secretariat, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, and is headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon. The council's work is also supported by various non-governmental organizations, such as Caritas Internationalis, World Vision International, and Lutheran World Federation.

● Member Churches

The Middle East Council of Churches has a diverse membership, including Eastern Orthodox churches, such as the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem and the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. The council also includes Oriental Orthodox Churches, such as the Syriac Orthodox Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Additionally, the council has Roman Catholic members, including the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. The council's Protestant members include the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Anglican Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East.

● Activities and Initiatives

The Middle East Council of Churches is involved in various activities and initiatives, including interfaith dialogue and cooperation with other religious organizations, such as the Islamic World League and the World Jewish Congress. The council has also been involved in various humanitarian efforts, including providing aid to refugees and displaced persons in the Middle East. The council has also supported various peace initiatives, including the Oslo Accords and the Arab Peace Initiative. The council's work is also supported by various international organizations, such as the United Nations, European Union, and Council of Europe.

● Ecumenical Relations

The Middle East Council of Churches has strong ecumenical relations with other Christian organizations, including the World Council of Churches, Conference of European Churches, and National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. The council has also been involved in various ecumenical dialogues, including the Orthodox-Roman Catholic International Theological Commission and the Lutheran-Orthodox Joint Commission. The council's ecumenical work is also supported by various theological institutions, including the Pontifical Oriental Institute, University of Oxford, and Harvard Divinity School. The council's relations with other Christian organizations are also influenced by its membership in the Global Christian Forum, which aims to promote unity and cooperation among Christian churches worldwide. Category:Christian ecumenism