1989 General Synod Resolution: Reaffirming the Middle East Council of Churches as a Partner in Mission
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United Church of Christ General Synod 17 (1989)
11. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTION “REAFFIRMING THE MIDDLE EAST COUNCIL OF CHURCHES AS A PARTNER IN MISSION”
The Moderator recognized Ms. Ruth Evans, Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Council, to report. She drew the delegates’ attention to Advance Materials II, page 110, a Resolution “Reaffirming the Middle East Council of Churches as a Partner in Mission.” She moved the adoption of this Resolution. There was no discussion and
89-GS-81 VOTED: The 17th General Synod adopts the Resolution “Reaffirming the Middle East Council of Churches as a Partner in Mission.”
REAFFIRMING THE MIDDLE EAST COUNCIL OF CHUCHES AS A PARTNER IN MISSION
WHEREAS, since its founding in 1974, the middle East Council of Churches has been the primary ecumenical partner of the United Church of Christ in the Middle East;
WHEREAS, the Middle East Council of Churches represents all of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Protestant traditions in the part of the world which has been the birthplace and continuing home of the Christian faith;
WHEREAS, the Middle East Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches of the Middle East which confess Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures, and therefore seek to fulfill together their common calling, to the glory of the one God;
WHEREAS, since 1988, the UCBWM has developed a “Partnership in mission” relationship with the MECC, expressed a common concern for worship, prayers, refugee ministries and actions to serve the goals of a just peace in the Middle East, and
WHEREAS, the UCBWM voted at its 179th Annual Meeting in November 1988 to commend the affirmation of this partnership to the 17th General Synod.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the 17th General Synod of the United Church of Christ reaffirms the Middle East Council of Churches as the United Church of Christ’s primary ecumenical partner in mission in the Middle East; and that this partnership reaffirms full consultation in our work in the Middle East between the Middle East Council of Churches and the United Church of Christ through its United Church Board for World Ministries specifically as we
- support projects;
- send up and receive personnel;
- lift up mutual areas of advocacy and concern for peace and justice in the Middle East;
- share support for social, educational and theological work in both areas by exchanges of personnel within the limits of the financial and personal resources available to each partner.
Financial Implications: Subject to the availability of funds.
12. MIDDLE EAST COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
The Rev. Avery D. Post introduced Mr. Gabriel Habib of the Middle East Council of Churches. He spoke of the Middle East Council of Churches as a major force of leadership and change. He called for us to walk with these people who are represented by Mr. Habib, and he presented Mr. Habib with a gift representing the partnership.
Mr. Habib then spoke to the delegates, thanking them for the reaffirmation that the ecumenical movement is a part of the United Church of Christ. He paid tribute to Mr. Post, the Rev. Scott Libbey and Mr. Dale Bishop. He also presented Mr. Post with a gift for the offices of the United Church of Christ.