Photo: Pro Orient

Ms Katerina Pekridou, Programme Officer for Theology and Studies at the Conference of European Churches (CEC), took part in the Ecumenical Workshop on “Healing Wounded Memories in the Middle East: From Defensive to Proactive Theological Discourse and Engagement” in Nicosia, Cyprus. 

As part of a series of exploring the healing of memories in the Balkans, the Middle East and Ukraine, the event, held from 10 to 13 October 2024, gathered church leaders, theologians, and ecumenical representatives to address critical issues of conflict and reconciliation in the Middle East. The workshop was organised by Pro Oriente, which fosters dialogue between churches in East and West and promotes reconciliation.

In her remarks, Pekridou stressed the urgent need for solidarity and action from European churches towards their counterparts in the Middle East. She emphasised that the challenges faced by the Middle Eastern churches extend beyond the region, requiring a compassionate and collective response from the global ecumenical community. She called for a renewed commitment from  churches in the West to stand with their sisters and brothers in the Middle East, highlighting the spirit of global ecumenism that transcends borders.

Pekridou said, “We are witnessing the ongoing devastation in the Middle East. A recent letter from Kairos Palestine poignantly asks, ‘We have sounded alarms, we have written statements, we have travelled around the world to share our witness,” invoking attention and action from the churches.

Pekridou further urged the global Church to support the churches in the Middle East. “For over a century, our self-understanding  of the Church as the Body of Christ has emphasised that when one part suffers, we all suffer, according to 1 ‎Corinthians 12:6. How can we affirm the Church as communion without solidarity, compassion, and a commitment to justice? As we reflect on synodality, inspired by the Synod on Synodality, 2021-2024, we must ask what it means to journey together as churches in the face of war,” she added.

CEC remains committed to just peace in Europe and beyond. Recently, the organisation issued a message of solidarity to the Middle East Council of Churches, affirming its prayers for peace and its support for the region's churches in their ongoing pursuit of justice and reconciliation.

 Learn more: CEC reaffirms solidarity with the Middle East churches amidst regional conflict