The Secretary General Professor Michel Abs in an Interview with the MECC media
During His Participation in the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions:
It is essential to respect religion and build objective and societal relationships based on citizenship within a single society
Exclusive: Media of the Middle East Council of Churches
As part of the activities in the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which will be held from September 16 to 19, 2025 in Astana, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs was the guest of the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, the Coordinator of Media and Church Relations at MECC, in an episode of the program "Ecumenical Horizons," produced by the "Platform of the Word" at MECC.
During the phone call, Professor Abs highlighted the sessions of the congress, which are being attended by around 150 Religious Leaders and Elites from around the world, as well as the topics to be addressed, emphasizing its importance, particularly in strengthening relations between Religions and cultures and consolidating the values of love and mutual respect.
Professor Abs also revealed the interventions he will deliver during the sessions, especially those related to the role of Religion and ways to face extremism. He also spoke about the activities of the first day, particularly the visits made to some Religious Sites.
In this context, the Secretary General Professor Abs commended the efforts of the State of Kazakhstan in strengthening the bonds of love and mutual respect between Religions without discrimination in a society at peace with itself.
He therefore emphasized the need to respect Religion and not exploit it for other inappropriate issues. He also emphasized the need to separate Religion from the state and build objective, societal relations based on citizenship within a single society.
It is worth noting that the congress aims to promote dialogue between Religions and cultures and work together to consolidate peace, particularly through mutual respect and understanding.