For our issue on the Church of Sweden’s 150 years of international work, we asked Nader Anton Abuamsha in Beit Jala, Palestine, the Director of the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees within the Middle East Council of Churches, to share his impressions of how the worldwide church makes itself visible and known in the everyday life and work of the DSPR. Thank you, Nader, for what you shared!
In the diverse tapestry of the Middle East, for the worldwide church to make itself visible and known, it should be evidently seen as a church committed to justice, peace, and compassion. Not
only as these values are rooted in the core of our Christian faith and values, but also as they are prerequisite to gain the trust and acceptance of the communities in the Middle East, especially in Palestine, as people are witnessing protracted occupation, conflict, displacement and uncertainty.
The worldwide church needs to be consistent in its values and actively engaged in defending the rights of the weak, uplifting the poor and marginalized, and instilling hope and justice where it seems elusive. Such a stand will reduce the vulnerability of local churches and peace lovers, as they are seen as part of the worldwide church, and serves as encouragement and inspiration for them to intensify their efforts to restore hope for a better life for all.
