Photo: Ulf Tjärnström/CEC

The Conference of European Churches (CEC) expresses deep concern over the escalating violence in the Middle East and stands in solidarity with the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). In a recent letter addressed to Dr Michael E. Abs, the Secretary General of the MECC, CEC President H.E. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, conveyed the dismay and consternation felt by CEC in response to the increasing acts of violence in the region.

“We are aware of the danger of war and an expansion of the military conflict. We lament the suffering of all the people who live in your region,” Archbishop Nikitas stated.

The letter highlighted the tragic consequences of the ongoing violence, emphasising the resulting loss of life, injuries, displacement, and the destruction of communities. CEC President underscored CEC's recognition of the international community's challenges in addressing and halting the violence, describing it as “so weak that it cannot counter and stop the violence.”

Despite the grave circumstances, CEC expressed a profound hope rooted in faith. “Our common hope is that God, the Father of Jesus Christ, is a God of peace, that he, the Crucified and Risen One, is with those who suffer,” Archbishop Nikitas affirmed. He continued, “We, the Conference of European Churches, pray for you and the people in your region.”

CEC calls for the cessation of violence and urges all parties to lay down their weapons, seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the promise of a new beginning.