The MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department
Continues Its Regional Program “Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling”
Spiritual and Psychological Support Sessions in an Ecumenical Framework
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
Stemming from its belief in the importance of spiritual and psychological support, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues organizing its regional program " Trauma Healing and Spiritual Counseling." It held a new workshop between June 1 and 6, 2025, at the Monastery of Notre Dame du Puits in Beqanaya – Lebanon, in the presence of the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Refaat Fikry.
Participants were a group of Clergy, Nuns, lay people, and pastoral workers, representing various Church Families and countries of the Middle East such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt. Noting that they had previously participated in national workshops organized in their countries as part of the same program, and are now trained to develop their capacities to provide support within their communities.
The workshop aimed to develop the participants' capacities regarding the concept of trauma and ways to heal it through pastoral ministry. It empowered them and provided them with the necessary skills to support others spiritually and psychologically in the face of the challenges imposed by the difficult circumstances casting a shadow over the region due to various crises.
The training included interactive and practical sessions and Theological reflections, in addition to discussing many topics such as spiritual accompaniment and its potential pitfalls, Christian perspectives on authority and power, ethical challenges in ministry, emotional and intellectual intelligence in leadership and post-traumatic growth and group facilitation.
As well as, the training included sessions for rest, Worship, and reflection, and ended with a pilgrimage to some of Lebanon's Christian Religious Sites and Sanctuaries.
In this context, this workshop provided an Ecumenical opportunity for purposeful dialogue and exchange of views and experiences on various common concerns and aspirations, as well as for building new friendships and establishing foundations for cooperation between Churches.
