by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - The General Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has been able to hold a meeting in Egypt for the first time, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. That this Christian organization was allowed to meet in Egypt is notable, given that the country ranks 20 on the US Open Doors World Watch List of top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Founded in 1974, the MECC is an association of churches from four main denominations of Christian Churches in the Middle East: Eastern Orthodox Churches, Oriental Orthodox, Evangelical Churches, and Catholic.
The Council’s meeting in Egypt took place from 16 - 20 May. In a statement, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said: “Christian brothers and sisters, in all Arab countries, are an integral part of the fabric of all Arab society.”
Over the course of the meeting, MECC church leaders discussed how to help the needy among their congregations and expressed their “sadness at the massive emigration of young people which is weakening Middle Eastern societies and drastically reducing the number of many local Christian communities,” ICC said. In the face of turmoil around the world, leaders encouraged congregants to heed to the words of Jesus: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).
The MECC also resolved to continue its support for Christians in Jerusalem and for the preservation of religious sites, ICC said.