Middle East and Europe
Learn About The Middle East Initiative
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.
Helpful resources from the Middle East and Europe Office
General Synod/Assembly Resolutions Related to the Middle East
Interfaith Relations Resources
Middle East and Europe News
Tell the Biden Administration to Lift Sanctions on Syria to Support Earthquake Relief Efforts
A massive earthquake struck southeastern Turkey near the border of Syria on Monday, February 6,…
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UCC and Disciples express support for partners following tragic earthquake in western Asia and southeastern Europe
Tragic images and reports continue to circulate of the massive devastation caused by…
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UAECNE Communiqué – Earthquake in Syria and Turkey
In view of the devastating earthquake that has occurred in southern Turkey and northern Syria on 6…
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“Compelled to Witness”
Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth stumbles in the public…
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Ministry with Mediterranean Hope
Fiona Kendall serves with Mediterranean Hope, Italy. Dear friends, The last six months have…
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The Rights of Animals
A teacher in an Armenian Evangelical school here in Beirut was leading a discussion on human…
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