The dynamics of the “Arab Spring” and its impact on migration in the Middle East brought some significant revelations. Presenters [at a three-day World Council of Churches (WCC) regional conference in Beirut, Lebanon] from the region as well as the hosts shared their views about the complexity of political developments, due to which many people are choosing to migrate.
Amidst the current wave of migration, where people are fleeing political turmoil, conflict and persecution, promoting respect for religious minorities and initiating meaningful interreligious dialogue is especially pertinent, according to the participants.
Dr Audeh B. Quawas from Jordan, a member of the WCC Central Committee and member of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem commented, “To promote respect for religious minorities and to initiate a positive dialogue especially among Christians and Muslims, churches will have to do more.”
“Churches in the Middle East are called to defeat fear and the sense of insecurity among the communities who choose to migrate, as this causes a serious threat of ‘brain drain’ in our countries,” he said.
The above is an excerpt from the World Council of Churches article:
Migration changes ecclesial landscapes
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