Middle East churches must protect children orphaned by war, says Christian leader

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(RNS) — As secretary general of the Middle East Council of Churches, Michel Abs said Christian humanitarian efforts in the region must prioritize children who have been traumatized, many of them orphaned, amid multiple Middle East conflicts.

MECC, headquartered in Beirut, aims to bring together Christian leaders across denominations to advance dialogue and peace in the region. Established in 1949 shortly after the Nakba, which led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and the creation of the modern state of Israel, it aimed to assist Palestinian refugees. Today, advocacy for Palestinians remains at the core of MECC’s efforts.

I spoke with Abs about his organization’s emergency response in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, Christian emigration and the problems it causes and protecting children who are vulnerable to trafficking.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Tell us about the challenges of doing humanitarian work in Palestine and Lebanon. Humanitarian action in Palestine and Lebanon during wartime requires transparent and accountable…