From the “Ecumenism of Blood” to the “Ecumenism of the Word”

A Lecture By Father Dr. Rifat Bader

Father Dr. Rifat Bader, General Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan, Publisher of “Abouna” Website, and Representative of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for Media Affairs, delivered this lecture in Arabic at a webinar organized by MECC, entitled “Ecumenical Media: Mission and Ethics”, on Thursday, August 19, 2026.

At the MECC Webinar About “Ecumenical Media: Mission and Ethics”

Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Coordinator of Media and Church Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), delivered this word in Arabic at a webinar organized by MECC, entitled “Ecumenical Media: Mission and Ethics”, on Thursday, August 19, 2026.

A Webinar Organized by MECC

Secretary General Prof. Michel Abs: “Media reflects the splendor of Christianity by showcasing its culture and its diverse dimensions”

Fr. Dr. Rifat Bader: “we have a responsibility to translate this witness into an Ecumenism of the word: media that brings people together rather than divides them, heals rather than wounds, and builds rather than destroys”

Journalist Lea Adel Maamary: “Ecumenical media serve as a bridge for dialogue, a space for encounter, a tool for strengthening a culture of unity”

As part of the series of seminars launched by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), a new seminar entitled “Ecumenical Media: Mission and Ethics” was held, with Father Dr. Rifat Bader, General Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan, Publisher of “Abouna” Website, and Representative of the MECC Executive Committee for Media Affairs. It was moderated by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, Coordinator of Media and Church Relations at MECC.

The seminar was held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the presence of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs. It was attended in person at MECC headquarters in Beirut by Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, MECC Associate Secretary General, Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of the Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity Rehabilitation Programs at MECC, Journalist Rafi Sayegh, and the MECC media team.

Online attendees were Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros, MECC Associate Secretary General, colleagues from the MECC team, as well as a Journalists and Experts from the Egyptian Council of Churches, “Abouna” Website, and many media outlets across the region.

Produced by MECC

Father Joseph Soueid: "The book ‘1,033 Hours from the Life of Christ’ is the Gospel of our lives... and the Baptism Site is preparing to celebrate the Baptism of Jesus Christ in 2030"

On the occasion of the 255th anniversary of the construction of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary at the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Bzommar, a Church exhibition entitled “Testimony of the Spiritual Heritage” was inaugurated during a ceremony held on the evening of August 12, 2026. The exhibition presents a selection of artifacts from the Monastery’s museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the spiritual, artistic, and historical richness preserved by this landmark across generations.

Highlights on the Webinar About "Ecumenical Media: Mission and Ethics", Organized by MECC

Via the SAT7 TV Channel

Global Webinar on the Occasion of the Ecumenical International Youth Day 2026

A Gathering Affirming the Importance of Youth in the Present and Future of the Ecumenical Movement

On the occasion of the Ecumenical International Youth Day 2026, a global online Ecumenical webinar was held under the title “Healing Spaces”, organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC), in partnership with ACT Alliance, Oikoumene Pasifika, and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).

The webinar took place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, under the theme “Restore – Empower – Strengthen – Thrive.” It brought together youth from around the world, alongside representatives of many regional and international Ecumenical organizations and bodies. Among the participants were Ms. Maria Bzdigian, Project Coordinator in the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department, and Elia Nasrallah, Communication and Media Officer in the MECC Communication and Public Relations Department.

Choir of the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand

Choir of the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand

Organized By MECC

You can join this webinar through the following Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86864203294?pwd=7KJDrYiNKaSuFtViTB3BlKwTaxUOah.1

Produced by MECC

Mrs. Eugenia Ghabach and Father De Gaulle Tannous, Priest of the Saint John the Baptist Parish in Safinat Al-Dreib, Akkar: "The church is the family home, and we must draw strength and courage from the example of Saint John the Baptist"

“Momentum”

10-8-2026

This issue includes reports, videos, news, articles, and a full coverage of the latest developments of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as well as the Church, Ecumenical, and social events…

This is in addition to the weekly word of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs which is entitled in this issue "Religious Dialogue: Its Principles and Role in Safeguarding Civil Peace".

You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/4c9f5101059d/momentum-mecc-weekly-newsletter.

You can also subscribe to the Momentum Newsletter via the following link:
https://mecc.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?id=fd3381352a&u=1db32cafe9ea32b38eb90480a.

With Archimandrite George Yaacoub, Abbot of the Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Balamand