The Second day of “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change” Symposium at USJ - Beirut
Organized by MECC in Cooperation with ATIME
Environmental Lectures Combining Theology and Science
You can find a photo album below the text.
For the second day in a row, the symposium “Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change”, continued its sessions at the Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut, at the invitation and organization of the Middle East Council of Churches in cooperation with the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME). It was held in the presence of their Eminences Bishops and Priests, Nuns and Monks, the President of the Saint Joseph University in Beirut Father Professor Salim Daccache, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Professor Michel Abs, alongside Deans, Professors and students from different Institutes of Theology, as well as specialists in the topic of environment and climate, and attendees concerned with the issue of climate and social justice.
The first part of the second day began with a speech delivered by Father Professor Salim Daccache, President of the Saint Joseph University in Beirut, in which he said “Your initiative is truly appreciated amidst the environmental problems that are threatening our world and the countries of our region. You have made a lot of efforts to organize this symposium. I am certain that the solidarity and cooperation of the Middle East Council of Churches and ATIME has led to this achievement that we witness today, which encourage the Church to prepare a policy of initiatives that concern the environment. The environmental issue is not marginal, but rather a responsibility to protect nature and creation."
Then, the symposium which included four sessions started. The first session, entitled “Climate Change and Social Justice,” was moderated by Sister Dr. Yara Matta. The speakers were His Eminence Metropolitan Thomas, who talked about “Coptic Perspectives on Poverty and Food Security”; Father Dr. Rami Wakim, “Theology”; And Dr. Richard Maroun, “Science.”
The second session was entitled “Climate Change and Care for Creatures,” and was moderated by Rev. Dr. Samuel Rozvy Ibrahim. Dr. Christina Nellist spoke about “Dietary Choices: Science and Orthodoxy on Protecting God’s Creation”; Father Dr. Bassam Nassif, “Theology”; And Dr. Dominique Salama, “Science.”
Moreover, the third session was entitled “Climate Change and Nature” and was moderated by Father Dr. Bishoy Helmy, in which Dr. Carmody Grey was online and talked about “Catholic Social Teaching Applied on Climate and Nature”. As well as, Father Barouyr Shernezian discussed the Theological side and Dr. Nabil Nemer, the scientific side.
In the fourth session which was moderated by Father Dr. Michel Kanbar, one of ATIME environmental researches was presented. In addition, Ms. Nada Mallah Boustany spoke about “Integral Education for the Good of Creation”; and Archdeacon Garen Yosolkanian presented the “Ecotheology in the Armenian Liturgy.”
The closing session was entitled “Operationalization, Church Commitment to Creation Care and Ecojustice,” and was moderated by Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah, Professor of Practical Theology at the Near East School of Theology, and Member of the Symposium’s Steering Committee, and Dr. Dani El-Obeid, Professor of Agricultural at the Lebanese University, and Member of the Symposium’s Advisory committee. During the session, speakers were Ms. Kristen Auken, Danmission Organization, Middle East, Mr. Julius Mbatia, ACT Alliance, Global Climate Justice, Dr. Manal Nader, Balamand University, Institute of Environment, and Dr. Lara Hanna Wakim, UNEP, Faith for Earth.
During the second day of the symposium, eco-friendly bags as well as water bottles were distributed to all participants, as they were personalized with the “Season of Creation” theme for this year, “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” as a souvenir from the symposium and an encouragement to protect the environment with actions that may be small and individual.
