The Middle East Council of Churches Participates in ACT Alliance General Assembly
International Ecumenical Cooperation for Healthy Societies
Under the theme "Hope in Action, Together for Justice," and in the presence of the General Secretary of the international organization “ACT Alliance”, Mr. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, and the Secretary General of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay, ACT Alliance opened its General Assembly on Monday, October 28, continuing until Friday, November 1, 2024, in the Yogyakarta region of Indonesia.
This international and Ecumenical event is attended by the ACT Alliance family, its employees, and representatives of its members from regional and international organizations and bodies, including the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). The Council is represented by the Regional Director of the Department of Diakonia and Social Service, Eng. Samer Lahham, and the Communication and Media Officer in the Department of Communication and Public Relations, Elia Nasrallah.
In fact, this General Assembly is an oasis of encounter, networking, and building global Ecumenical bridges, characterized by the richness of diverse civilizations, cultures, and life and social backgrounds.
The official opening of the event took place at a Prayer Service held at the Javanese Gondokusuman Church in Yogyakarta, in the presence of all participants who received Wooden Crosses made by a group of people with Disabilities.
The Prayer included various chants and hymns of hope on the intention of achieving truth and justice in the world, in addition to expressive dances that reflect Indonesian traditions in their diverse sects. It also included a Biblical Reflection on the importance of serving and cooperating together to support the neediest without any discrimination.
The Prayer ended with speeches delivered on behalf of the Indonesian Federal Church and the Forum for Religious Harmony in the province of Yogyakarta, stressing the importance of richness in diversity and the need to build inclusive societies.
The opening day of the General Assembly concluded with a dinner dedicated to the Asia-Pacific region and New Zealand, during which interactive segments reflecting the customs and traditions of the region were presented.
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