WCC NEWS: Middle East: WCC, MECC invite webinar on diaconal response in times of war

A joint webinar by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) will shed light on the essential service-oriented role of churches in times of crisis and war. Church building in Nablus, West Bank. File Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth Pictures 30 April 2026 As the Middle East continues to face protracted conflicts, humanitarian crises, and deep social and economic disruption, communities across the region are affected by displacement, loss of livelihoods, limited access to essential services, and growing vulnerability. In these same contexts, churches and church-related organizations have consistently played a vital role as service providers and community anchors, often remaining present where other systems have collapsed or are inaccessible. On Thursday 7 May at 14.00 CEST, a webinar entitled “Role of the Church in Times of War: A Diaconal Response in the Middle East” will highlight themes such as: Diakonia as Service in Times of War; Humanitarian and Social Service Delivery; Health and Healing Ministries; Community Support and Social Cohesion; Psychosocial and Pastoral Care; and Sustaining Services in Fragile Contexts.  A joint initiative by the WCC and the MECC, the webinar will bring to the fore the voices of a range of agencies and partners working hands on in the field to serve people in need.  Register now to attend: Role of the Church in Times of War: A Diaconal Response in the Middle East’ Global Prayer for Peace in the Middle East: “we are one world and one human family” Peacebuilding in the Middle East Attendance open by registration. See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland