Lebanon

Lebanon is often cited as exceptional in the Middle East for its vital pluralism and diversity. A prominent Muslim who is a member of the Arab Working Group for Christian-Muslim Dialogue says, "We Lebanese have a special background in pluralism, culturally and objectively. It is a way of life for us in Lebanon to live together." Even so, Lebanon is still feeling the impact of its seventeen-year civil war and the effects of Israeli occupation of, and withdrawal from, the south. Physical reconstruction in Beirut is visible, even as more rural communities aspire to get back on their feet and the economy is strained.

Pray for: The many Christian communities of Lebanon and their ecumenical efforts to ensure a strong Christian presence; efforts to build upon a history of interfaith relations that has stressed national unity; the Near East School of Theology, where future generations of the region's Protestant clergy prepare for ministry; the World Student Christian Federation and its Middle East regional office, located in Beirut; Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon.

Worley, Gabrielle
Lebanon
Gabrielle Worley, a member of First United Church, Oak Park, Illinois, will serve a one year term (with the possibility of an extension) as a Global Mission Intern with the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and the Forum for Development, Culture, and Dialogue (FDCD), in Beirut, Lebanon beginning January 1, 2012. She will work with the MECC and the FDCD on their joint work with Iraqi refugees.

Stories

Evacuation from Beirut
August 4, 2006