MECC ANNUAL PARTNERS MEETING: Working together for a more effective and sustainable collaboration
MECC General Secretariat held its annual meeting today on 14th April 2021 with international and regional partner organizations and institutions on Zoom to discuss different opinions and share knowledge in order to develop the role of the council and improve work mechanism and cooperation in future projects.
Participants were 67 leaders and representatives for 34 international and national organizations from around the world like the USA, Canada, Europe and the Middle East in addition to MECC participants: Associate Secretary Generals, directors and staff members.
The meeting started with an opening prayer by Rev. Dr. Almut Nothnagle, Head of the Africa & Middle East Desk of the Evangelical Mission Work.
The Second Session focused on the region’s political, economic and demographic situation and was moderated by Dr. Peter Makari, Executive, Middle East and Europe Global Ministries UCC- Disciples of Christ. The subject matter was elaborated by Rev. Dr. Habib Badr, MECC President on behalf of the National Evangelical Church in Lebanon. Dr. Rudelmar Bueno De Faria, ACT Alliance Secretary General explained the Global Strategy of ACT Alliance in lights of the actual global situation, then MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs talked about the Sociopolitical and Economic Demographic aspects the region was facing.
The next session involved a projection of three short films about MECC activities in Lebanon, Palestine and Syria during the year 2020 and the activities departments were able to achieve throughout this exceptional year. This session was moderated by Ms. Wilma Wolswinkel Manager of Kerk in Actie and Program Officer of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands.
Session four was moderated by Dr. Ekkardt Sonntag, Program Advisor of Theology and Church Development (MENA) at DANMISSION. Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs elaborated MECC Strategic framework and quadrennial plan with future vision of MECC in depth and comprehensive dimensions.
Session Five was moderated by Rev. Dr. Said Ailabouni, Director for the Middle East & North Africa Desk at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and was a general discussion on strategic partnership and future perspectives for working together followed by a financial report. The closing Session was moderated by Ms. Romina Elbracht Foreign Departments at MISSIO Pontifical Mission Society Director, who recapitulated all the major points and summarized then in a brief report.
Questions throughout the meeting were answered by the Secretary General and Department Directors. The meeting was closed with prayers by Rev. Elmarie Parker, Regional Liaison to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon at Presbyterian Church – USA.