Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC. Bethlehem, Palestine, 2022.

Press Release No: 15/24
7 October 2024
Brussels

In a powerful show of solidarity, Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), has sent a letter to Dr Michael E. Abs, Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), offering prayers and reaffirming CEC's unwavering support amidst the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The Archbishop’s letter, inspired by the biblical premise "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!" Psalm 130, emphasises the urgent need for peace and a call to action amidst escalation of violence in the region.

Archbishop Nikitas expressed deep concern, stating that the fears shared in CEC’s previous letter to MECC have now become "distressing reality." He pointed to the devastation felt by people across the Middle East who "mourn the dead and injured, live in fear and terror, lose their homes and are forced to flee," while the "spiral of hatred and violence continues."

In the letter, CEC President highlights the significant suffering of the churches in the region, acknowledging the immense challenges they face in their pursuit of peace. He reaffirmed CEC’s commitment to the Christian communities in the Middle East, noting, "We keep the Christian churches in the Middle East in our thoughts and all that they are experiencing and enduring."

Echoing the collective desire for peace, Archbishop Nikitas fully supported the call for an immediate ceasefire to pave the way for dialogue, negotiation, and the protection of innocent lives. "We hope for the miracle of change, the silencing of the guns, the end of violence," he wrote, praying for God’s peace to rest upon the region.

The Archbishop assured Dr Abs and the Middle East churches that CEC stands with them in their efforts to bring peace and reconciliation to the region. "Be assured that as we think of you, your churches and the region in these days and lift them up to God, the cry of the Psalm is being prayed in our churches."

CEC continues to advocate for peaceful solutions and the end of hostilities, standing in unity with all who work towards lasting peace in the Middle East.

For further information or an interview, please contact:

Naveen Qayyum
Communication Officer
Conference of European Churches
Rue Joseph II, 174 B-1000 Brussels
Tel. +32 486 75 82 36
E-mail: naveen@cec-kek.be
Website: www.ceceurope.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceurope
Twitter: @ceceurope
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