HISTORY
The Ecumenical Institute for the Middle East is the outcome of the youth Consultations organized by WSCF-ME in 2008 & 2012, considering “Ecumenism to be in crisis in the Middle East”, calling for its renewal, and emphasizing the necessity for increased inter-church and interfaith dialogue to strengthen & develop Christian spiritual life &ecumenical sharing, as well as understanding and acceptance of the “other”, for peaceful coexistence & conviviality.
These Consultations also called,for the initiation & launch of an Ecumenical Institute for the Middle East, targeting in particular Youth, as the potential future of Church & society.
A Consultation gathering activists and experts in Ecumenism was held in December 2014 to establish the foundations of the Institute, providing academic, administrative, and logistical guidelines for its initiation.
MISSION
The mission of the Ecumenical Institute for the Middle East is the Ecumenical formation and upbringing of young Christians as a contribution to the Middle East Church’s own mission in seeking to reinstate Church Unity, through the unification of visions, perspectives and attitudes among participating members, what regards issues relating to Christian presence and witness in the region and to Muslim–Christian dialogue and relations.
The Institute facilitates the communion between young members of the four families of churches, to remove prejudices and barriers between them, providing an adequate space to come together, live, share pray, and reflect, and act and witness together. It also develops new attitudes towards other communities for dialogue and partnerships to deepen friendship and peace between people for the good of humanity.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Institute is to promote “Ecumenical Upbringing and its interaction with the youths, the students of theological institutes and colleges, and the churches”, in view of deepening the spiritual fellowship among the churches of the Middle East, and contributing in uniting them in word and deed, through love and sharing, striving to bring social peace and justice throughout the region.
VISION
Real & sincere ecumenism is revived and developed in the Middle East region, the cradle of Christianity, and ecumenical life and spirit as taught by Jesus Christ has enriched and inspired Christian communities to engage in truthful and transparent inter-church dialogue towards achieving Christian unity and building bridges with people of other faiths for mutual understanding, acceptance, and peaceful conviviality.