A Press Conference As Part of the Sixth World Conference of the World Council of Churches' Commission on Faith and Order
MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: “Christianity is about togetherness between all”
Speakers: “Youth are the present and future of the Church and have a significant role in working for Christian unity”
Media of the Middle East Council if Churches (MECC) - Egypt
Statements, inquiries, and exchange of experiences about Christian unity and the importance of working towards it today were the focus of a press conference held as part of the Sixth World Conference of the World Council of Churches' Commission on Faith and Order, held under the title "Where now visible unity?" at the Papal Logos Centre in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt.
Speakers included Reverend Professor Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary, Reverend Professor Stephanie Dietrich, Moderator of the WCC Faith and Order Commission, Professor Michel Abs, MECC Secretary General, His Eminence Metropolitan Thomas of Elqousia & Mir Assiut, His Eminence Archbishop Angelos of London, His Grace Bishop Abraham, Auxiliary Bishop, Diocese of Los Angeles et al., and Dr. Andrej Jeftić, Director of Faith and Order Commission.
From his part, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs mentioned that "the conference is an opportunity to review the achievements of the past and explore the aspirations and visions for the next period.
Christianity is about togetherness between all, regardless of the differences in Church families and cultures.”
He added “the Middle East Council of Churches is in continuous cooperation with the World Council of Churches, and the coordination between them is an example of the success of any joint activity held in the region.
Holding the conference in Egypt has a special significance, especially since its sessions are being held in the land to which the Holy Family took refuge, and on this land the See of St. Mark and the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate were founded which is a prime example of perfect organization, effectiveness, and the ability to manage and implement such huge conferences and meetings.”
In response to a question posed by the Middle East Council of Churches’ media, the speakers pointed out that “youth are the present and future of the Church and have a significant role in working for Christian unity.”
They added, "Youth are the spirit that enlivens the Church. They possess diverse energies, talents, and knowledge that make them worthy generations and leaders ready to build a better future. What is most important is their adherence to the hope they derive from Jesus Christ."
In this context, the speakers highlighted the conference of the World Council of Churches' Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI), also held at the Papal Logos Center, noting that "the young participants are a prime example of their capabilities and the seriousness with which they are distinguished by their research, studies, efforts, and the questions to which they seek answers."
It is worth noting that the press conference addressed many issues and topics related to consolidating the Ecumenical spirit with a fraternal spirit and true witness despite all the difficulties and challenges.