Internally displaced Syrian children who fled Raqqa city stand near their tent in Ras al-Ain, Syria,
Photo: CNS The Middle East Council of Churches has called for prayer and peace-building initiatives amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and the Arab world.
The council’s executive committee, concluding a two-day meeting in Cyprus last week, said its gathering occurred “in the midst of the bloody and painful events that beset our countries”.
In their final statement, the Church leaders called on Mideast Christians “to adhere to their land, heritage and identity with Faith and hope, and to enhance their role in consolidating coexistence, mutual respect and social solidarity”.
They added that sufferings are not only endured by Christians but affect all of the people of the region.
Suffering
The Church leaders called attention to the “aggravating suffering of the Syrian people”, and they urged nations “to lift the siege” on the country and “support the path of establishing security and building peace”.
They also urged nations to work for the return of refugees and people displaced within their own countries.