May 30, 2008

BEIRUT, Lebanon – The MECC/JPHR organized a consultation on "The Role of the Religious Institutions in the support of human Dignity." It took place in Harissa – Lebanon (5-7 May). The consultation is considered as part of the process of agreement between MECC and the Conference of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon. The General Secretary of the Council Mr Guirguis Saleh addressed the meeting with a welcoming word and briefed the participants on the Council's challenges and achievements on the protection of human dignity. Present were the members of the core committee of the project who are activists in human rights and represents churches in Lebanon. The consultation discussed how to develop ways to help the religious institutions to play a role in the protection of human dignity which emanates from God nature. As such, the program seeks to equip churches in the Arab region with data helping them to advocate for issues in the region. This will be done in cooperation with other partners' institutions. The program sets a work pattern to monitor the implementation of justice and human rights in the region. It also sets a mechanism to well-develop a forum in the Middle East for more conventional discussions on human rights and justice, as well as for training.

The final purpose of this initiative is to issue reports reflecting on the human rights situation in each country and to focus on burning issues that affect the situation of justice and peace. These reports will be circulated to the different partners and churches. An analysis will be followed and different type of actions will be undertaken starting from the support and advocacy with the help of our partners, and ending in approaching local governments and organizations. For more information contact: mecccypr@spidernet.com.cy.

Middle East Council of Churches