Congratulatory Visit to Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah
Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut and President of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon
By an MECC Delegation Led by Secretary General Professor Michel Abs
Professor Abs: Reverend Rima is a worthy successor to a worthy predecessor, and the Evangelical Church carries a rich heritage of thought, culture, and learning
Reverend Rima: Ecumenical work lies at the heart of our faith and heritage… and it is essential to continue our cooperation with the Council
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, accompanied by an MECC delegation, visited Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah, the Newly Elected President of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon and Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at her office in Beirut.
The delegation included the MECC Associate Secretaries General Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros and Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Lebanon’s Office of the Diakonia and Social Service Department Ms. Nina Hallak, Coordinator of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Rehabilitation Programs Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Media and Church Relations Coordinator Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Social Media Officer Johnny Antoun, and Media and Communication Officer Elia Nasrallah. As well as, Associate Secretary General Reverend Dr. Rifaat Fikry joined the meeting virtually from Egypt.
At the outset, Professor Abs noted that Reverend Nasrallah carries a significant legacy within the National Evangelical Church of Beirut, describing her as a worthy successor to a worthy predecessor. He praised the strong relationship between the Middle East Council of Churches and the Evangelical Church, both through her leadership and that of her predecessor Reverend Dr. Habib Badr.
Professor Abs also commended Reverend Nasrallah's active leadership in the Church, particularly her commitment to Ecumenical work. He recalled her major contribution to integrating the “Season of Creation” program into the MECC work and launching it throughout the region. He further praised her ongoing dedication, especially in ministry with youth, noting that the Evangelical Church is distinguished by its vitality and renewal, as well as by its rich heritage, intellectual tradition, culture, and learning.
The Secretary General also reaffirmed the Council's support for the Evangelical Church and for Reverend Nasrallah in her ministry, emphasizing the importance of continuing cooperation and coordination to strengthen Ecumenical work and serve humanity with dignity.
For her part, Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah thanked Professor Michel Abs and the delegation for their visit. She affirmed that Ecumenical work is integral to the faith of the Evangelical Church. Comparing the Christian faith to a diamond, she explained that each Church reflects a different facet of coming to know Christ, and that encounters and dialogue among Churches are intended to enrich everyone. She also stressed the importance of praying together.
In this context, she spoke about the diversity of Churches in Beirut and the need for greater cooperation among them in order to remain steadfast in the face of current challenges. She also presented an overview of the history of the National Evangelical Union of Lebanon, its Churches, ministries, and institutions, expressing her hope for stronger cooperation between the National Evangelical Church of Beirut and the Middle East Council of Churches.
The meeting also addressed many shared topics, particularly environmental issues, the Season of Creation, and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration and solidarity among the Churches in serving people with dignity.
At the end of the visit, Secretary General Professor Michel Abs presented to Reverend Dr. Rima Nasrallah the medal of the Fiftieth Year of the MECC Founding.
The delegation also presented to her with a copy of the book “Christianity: A History in the Middle East”, published by MECC, as well as copies of “Towards a Common Date for Easter”, The Aleppo Statement 1997, in Arabic, published by MECC.
This is in addition to digital copies of the book “The Middle East Council of Churches: Complete Record of 23 Symposiums, Round Tables, and Webinars of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Rehabilitation Program”, also published by MECC.
Moreover, Reverend Rima received from the delegation a symbolic gift inspired by the “Season of Creation”.
