Special programme announced in conjunction with Middle East Synod

The Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Middle East begins on October 10th.

During the meeting, a special program of events looking at the life of Christians in the middle east will happen at the Sala Pio X, just outside of the Vatican.

The programme for the series was released on Thursday at a press conference co-sponsored by the
Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land.

The former delegate of the Custody to Rome, Father David-Maria Jaeger, OFM, told Vatican Radio the Synod is a significant step in the renewal of the Churches in the Middle East.

He said the top concern of Christians is religious freedom.

“The Churches in the Middle East live and witness in societies in which other religions predominate,” Father Jaeger said. “Learning on the part of everyone to live together on a basic of civil equality is an ongoing task.”

He also said ecumenical progress is an important goal of the Synod, given the fact that Christians are a minority in the region and must work together.