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Fr Robin Gibbons reflects on historic meeting of Middle Eastern Church leaders at Lambeth Palace


Crypt chapel Lambeth Palace

Crypt chapel Lambeth Palace

Personal reflection by Fr Robin Gibbons, Melkite Greek Catholic Church

The September 3rd meeting of leaders and representatives of Middle Eastern Churches held at Lambeth Palace with Archbishop Justin has been described as an unprecedented event. Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church has been instrumental in convening the gathering. United as members of the ‘One Body of Christ’, sharing our thoughts and prayers, were members of the various Eastern Churches.

To show you how unique this was perhaps it would be good to list the Churches: represented were the Orthodox Churches, Coptic, British, Russian and Greek, Syrian, Assyrian Church of the East, Antiochene, then there were the Catholics, Chaldean, Maronite, Syrian and Melkite as well as Roman Catholic representatives, Anglican Bishops, Clergy and representatives of various groups.

As one who was there, representing my own Church, I can certainly say it was a deeply moving morning. Firstly because of the shared thoughts and ideas, anguishing and painful in terms of the personal testimony of particular clergy speaking of their suffering Christian people and the deep divisions that have now emerged in Middle Eastern Society, which will also have global repercussions.

Secondly because of the common concern and understanding that we are the ‘One Body of Christ’ and whenever one suffers it affects us all, and that the birthplace of Christianity needs its ancient Christian presence.

Thirdly because from this horror , through the merciful love of God, something may emerge to help keep the plight of our Middle Eastern ( and other suffering people) in the worlds eye but also alert the Western world to the place religion has in political life across the globe! Then of course there is the practical humanitarian needs of the people to consider, but as many pointed out , the desire of the people is not to emigrate but to remain in their homeland and that is something we all need to support!

But at the heart of the meeting was desire to pray, call on the God of love and to intercede, bless, and ask forgiveness for those who use the name of God as an excuse to perpetrate evil. Part of our Christian life of prayer is to reclaim the holiness of God’s name and presence and to reject all attempts to hijack religious belief for truly blasphemous atrocities!

Having agreed to a common statement expressing solidarity with all our Middle Eastern Brothers and Sisters, we moved to the Crypt of Lambeth Palace for a service of word led by Archbishop Justin, of scripture and words of saints such as Isaac of Nineveh, the Our Father sung in Aramaic, prayers in Arabic, and the lighting of lights as a silent prayer. In our hearts we remembered all the martyrs of today and in solidarity with the journalists who were present the murdered Stephen Sotloff.

I can do no better than sum up all our prayers in the scriptural quote our Common Declaration ends with : To our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, We “share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance.” Revelation 1:9

See also: ICN 2 September 2014 Middle East Church leaders agree statement at Lambeth Palace www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=25482

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