October 31, 2005

Dr. Robert Worley, former professor of ministry at the McCormick Theological Seminary and longstanding friend and supporter of the churches and people of the Middle East lead the Chicago Presbytery Task Force of 18 persons during their visit to Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank in October. This is not the first time Dr. Worley leads similar groups to the Middle East to help them understand the people of the region, the issues they face, and to promote justice and peace.

While in Beirut, the group met with the MECC senior staff on October 19, visited the DSPR/Joint Christian Committee then went to South Lebanon where they met with the representative of the Lebanese resistance movement.

In Syria, the group worshiped in different churches on Sunday morning, October 23, and met with the Grand Mufti of Syria, in addition to church leaders and other religious and community leaders. They also visited archeological and holy sites.

The group will also meet with H.E. Dr. Boutheina chaaban, Minister of Expatriates before leaving for Jordan.

The Chicago Task Force is very active in advocating for the issues that are facing the people of the Middle East.

Middle East Council of Churches