Ecumenism, collaboration key for Middle East peace

(May 4, 2010) The pre-synodal council for the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East is underlining the urgency of a convinced ecumenical commitment and respectful collaboration with Jews and Muslims. The third meeting of the pre-synodal council was held April 23-24 in Rome, the Vatican press office reported on Monday. It noted that "the objective of the Special Assembly for the Middle East is twofold: to confirm and reinforce Christians in their identity through the Word of God and the sacraments, and to revive ecclesial communion between the particular Churches, so that they can offer a genuine Christian witness, in contact with the other Churches and ecclesial communities." The communiqué pointed out that, "despite the difficulties of the present moment," the Church in the Middle East, "trusting in Divine Providence, remains confident in a future of peace, of justice and respectful collaboration with those belonging to Judaism and Islam, for the good of all the inhabitants of the region." The synod for the Middle East is scheduled from October 10-24 in the Vatican on the theme, "The Catholic Church in the Middle East: Communion and Witness.