Middle East and Europe
Jesus was a Middle Easterner, as were the first Christian missionaries—James, Peter, Paul, Mark, and Thomas among them. Our Christian faith ties us to the Middle East, where Christ was born; and to Europe, to which Christianity spread and underwent historic reform. As North American churches in the Reformed tradition, our faith heritage—and for many, our family roots—are grounded in the Middle East and Europe.
Global Ministries is part of this rich Christian heritage, steeped in UCC and Disciples missionary history of more than two centuries. The first Congregational missionaries to the Middle East left for Smyrna (Izmir, Turkey), Beirut, and Jerusalem in 1819; the first Disciples missionary went to Jerusalem in 1849. They found living and witnessing Christian communities there, even as they discovered great ecumenical and interfaith diversity.
Today, our Middle Eastern and European partners offer important witness in contexts of diverse religious traditions—and of changing religious landscapes. We are blessed to accompany many churches, faith-based organizations, and institutions in the Middle East and Europe as they strive to:
- Support human rights and promote human dignity;
- Advocate for justice and peace in contexts of conflict; engage in interfaith dialogue;
- Respond to the needs of people impacted by emergencies, including natural disasters and war;
- Promote community and economic development;
- Provide opportunities for education—from primary schools through seminaries and universities;
- Witness to their faith even in challenging contexts.
Resources: Books, Advocacy Resources, and Videos from the Middle East and Europe office
General Synod/Assembly Resolutions Related to the Middle East
Interfaith Relations Resources
The Disciples and UCC address the crisis in the Middle East
Middle East and Europe News
CMEP Action Alert: Tell Congress to Respond to Settler Violence and Protect Palestinian Lives
As Palestinians in Gaza face Israel’s harmful aid policies, increasing territorial encroachment,…
Read More
WCC expresses grave concern over seizure of St Peter’s Evangelical Church and Synod Secretariat in Tehran
World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed grave…
Read More
WCC News: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land calls for release of Natalie Abudayyeh
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, with other churches and individuals…
Read MoreMission Stories
Learning From People Whose Lives Have Been Characterized by Turmoil and Uncertainty
Written by Fiona Kendall, a mission co-worker serving with Mediterranean Hope, the refugee and…
Read More
But Will It Make a Difference?
For several weeks in November an unusual air of excitement wafted through the air as the country…
Read More
The Flying Trapeze
Suspended between regional and world powers, Lebanon is flying from swing to swing in…
Read More