Professor Michel E. Abs
Economist, sociologist, university professor and ecumenical leader; Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches and Co-President of Religions for Peace.
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98 documented items
VideoA special interview on VDL24
A discussion of the churches’ role amid regional crises and the institutional responsibility to build peace.
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Light of Hope initiatives in difficult circumstances
A Charity TV interview on the Light of Hope initiatives and MECC's response to difficult conditions in Lebanon.
VideoTelevision conversation on SAT-7
On churches, dialogue and service to people in a turbulent regional environment.
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Sustainability and institution in a time of transition
The opening address to MECC's Executive Committee on sustainability, governance and the future of Christian presence.
Long-form interview with China Christian Daily
An account of ecumenical service, MECC priorities, and building networks of knowledge and dialogue.
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Service with MECC during the 1980s, documented later
From managing MECC work in Lebanon to service as Treasurer and Executive Committee member.
At the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order
A contribution from the global gathering on visible unity and the mission of the churches.
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Citizenship and respect for religion at the Astana congress
A conversation from the eighth Congress of Religious Leaders on mutual respect, citizenship and confronting extremism.
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On spiritual partnership and institutional policies
An address to MECC partners on dignity, partnership and institutional responsibility.
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The purest witness
An Ashura commemoration address connecting memory with ethical leadership, justice and dignity.
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The Face of Mary and shared paths of dialogue
The launch address for a women-led symposium on Mary as a shared and unifying figure.
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The Church and scientific research
A call for faith to meet knowledge through institutions that think, document and anticipate.
Address during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Unity as an act of faithfulness and shared witness, not a deferred idea.
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The Church between spiritual and institutional unity
A reflection on unity as faith and common service across cultural and institutional boundaries.
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Creation as stewardship: a Season of Creation message
A call to protect the environment in respect for the Creator and responsibility toward future generations.
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Interview on Sama Syrian TV from Aleppo
A conversation during the Evening of Divine Love on church presence and service in Syria and the region.
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A second era: gifts and responsibility
An editorial on institutional trust and the stewardship of human gifts.
Unanimously re-elected for a second term
MECC’s Executive Committee renewed its confidence in Michel Abs for a four-year term.
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Fifty years of MECC on Suboro TV
A conversation on MECC's fiftieth jubilee and its theological, humanitarian and media programmes.
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Interview with Radio Sputnik
A perspective on Christian presence and the crises affecting societies across the region.
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Syriac memory and present responsibility
An address on memory, dignity and resisting the erasure of peoples’ suffering.
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Western values in their cognitive and moral integration
A critical intervention on technology, consumer culture and declining social protection systems.
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Human fraternity: journey and participation
An International Day of Human Fraternity address on making the document a guide for emerging generations.
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Gaza and Christian presence in the Holy Land
A Télé Lumière–Noursat interview on MECC's statement and conditions in Gaza and Palestine.
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Authority and religion: connections and stakes
A Saint Joseph University lecture in a paired programme on science and faith.
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A global ecumenical delegation in the cradle of Christianity
A reflection from a global delegation’s visit to the Holy Land and its human and ecclesial context.
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A global ecumenical delegation from Beirut
A welcome address to a WCC delegation connecting international solidarity with service to the region's churches.
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The twelfth General Assembly: review and mission
An interview on I Came to Serve about the General Assembly, its final statement and MECC's future projects.
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Sayfo 1915: We forgive, but never forget
An address linking memory with forgiveness, justice and human protection.
AudioCrises and Issues: General Assembly and Christian presence
A long-form Radio Liban Libre conversation on MECC’s twelfth General Assembly.
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The complete institutional record of 2021 activities
An official index linking weekly messages, interviews, webinars, lectures, visits, statements and press releases throughout the year.
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The Forestation Days: Bejjeh was the venue
A documented weekly reflection entitled “The Forestation Days: Bejjeh was the venue” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Societal integration, dialogue and progress: a common vision for Iraq
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Societal integration, dialogue and progress: a common vision for Iraq” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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She left before dawn
A documented weekly reflection entitled “She left before dawn” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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An ecumenical celebration in the care of the Holy Family
A documented weekly reflection entitled “An ecumenical celebration in the care of the Holy Family” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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On violence, the human person and the other
A documented weekly reflection entitled “On violence, the human person and the other” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Towards the twelfth General Assembly
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Towards the twelfth General Assembly” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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So that identity does not become a tool of devastation
A documented weekly reflection entitled “So that identity does not become a tool of devastation” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Starving and bringing to kneel to avoid accountability
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Starving and bringing to kneel to avoid accountability” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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You are the salt of the earth: MECC's humanitarian and ecumenical mission
A La Takhaf episode on Télé Lumière and Noursat covering MECC history, Christian presence, human fraternity and human dignity.
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You are the salt of the earth: trust, witness and role
A documented weekly reflection entitled “You are the salt of the earth: trust, witness and role” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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The Antiochian Levant: people, identity and society
A documented weekly reflection entitled “The Antiochian Levant: people, identity and society” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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And the looted land has its shepherd
A documented weekly reflection entitled “And the looted land has its shepherd” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Ingratitude, hypocrisy and poisoned honey
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Ingratitude, hypocrisy and poisoned honey” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Priceless moments: closing the Season of Creation
A closing address for MECC's first Season of Creation in the East on environment, culture and church responsibility.
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The environment once more
A documented weekly reflection entitled “The environment once more” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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The humanitarian impact of unilateral sanctions
An intervention in an international webinar held in the context of the Human Rights Council's 48th session.
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Human dignity: violations and response
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Human dignity: violations and response” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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A glimmer of ecumenical hope from the heart of destruction
A documented weekly reflection entitled “A glimmer of ecumenical hope from the heart of destruction” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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What did you do to the house of God?
A documented weekly reflection entitled “What did you do to the house of God?” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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The nouveaux-riches and the Kingdom of God
A documented weekly reflection entitled “The nouveaux-riches and the Kingdom of God” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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World Humanitarian Day
A documented weekly reflection entitled “World Humanitarian Day” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Governance of organizations between text and practice
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Governance of organizations between text and practice” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Trafficking in human beings
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Trafficking in human beings” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
VideoWithout peace there is no justice
A WCC conversation on Lebanon, justice, peace and the role of churches.
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Self-inflicted genocide
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Self-inflicted genocide” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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The Middle East Council of Churches: from survival to development
A documented weekly reflection entitled “The Middle East Council of Churches: from survival to development” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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When helplessness becomes rooted in nations
A documented weekly reflection entitled “When helplessness becomes rooted in nations” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Rome, prayers and an overpowered people
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Rome, prayers and an overpowered people” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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The East, peace and lost stability
A documented weekly reflection entitled “The East, peace and lost stability” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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In the Church of Christ there is neither a refugee nor a stranger
A documented weekly reflection entitled “In the Church of Christ there is neither a refugee nor a stranger” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Childhood between Christianity and the labour market
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Childhood between Christianity and the labour market” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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World Environment Day and the role of the Church
A documented weekly reflection entitled “World Environment Day and the role of the Church” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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The fall of Constantinople: lessons and conclusions
A documented weekly reflection entitled “The fall of Constantinople: lessons and conclusions” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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It is happening now on the land of Palestine
A documented weekly reflection entitled “It is happening now on the land of Palestine” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Religious celebrations and social interaction
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Religious celebrations and social interaction” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Mary, the symbol of wounded humanity
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Mary, the symbol of wounded humanity” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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MECC's mission and Christian presence on Radio Liban
A live Aal Hawa Sawa interview on MECC's identity, goals, projects and ecumenical role.
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Be of good cheer: I have conquered the world
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Be of good cheer: I have conquered the world” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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April 24: crime and accountability
A documented weekly reflection entitled “April 24: crime and accountability” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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MECC: environmental challenges and the source of values
A documented weekly reflection entitled “MECC: environmental challenges and the source of values” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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A meeting of love, solidarity and partnership
A documented weekly reflection entitled “A meeting of love, solidarity and partnership” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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The day the slaves crucified the Lord
A documented weekly reflection entitled “The day the slaves crucified the Lord” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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For generations not yet born: there was an Angel and an Annunciation
A documented weekly reflection entitled “For generations not yet born: there was an Angel and an Annunciation” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Between coexistence and unity through living together: self-concordant identity
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Between coexistence and unity through living together: self-concordant identity” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Fundamentalism, extremism and the role of the Church
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Fundamentalism, extremism and the role of the Church” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Confessions to the Creator
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Confessions to the Creator” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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The faith of the cave hermits
A documented weekly reflection entitled “The faith of the cave hermits” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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On ecumenical relations, rapprochement and social solidarity
A documented weekly reflection entitled “On ecumenical relations, rapprochement and social solidarity” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Civil institutions between the humanitarian and the political
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Civil institutions between the humanitarian and the political” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Be one: on unity and solidarity
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Be one: on unity and solidarity” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Let us pray together
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Let us pray together” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Peace as a human necessity
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Peace as a human necessity” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Co-President of Religions for Peace
A global role in interreligious dialogue, social justice and peacebuilding.
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Message for the first issue of the weekly newsletter
A documented weekly reflection entitled “Message for the first issue of the weekly newsletter” in the MECC Secretary General's message series.
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Lebanon after the Beirut port explosion
An intervention at a European Parliament EPP Group webinar on Lebanon's crisis and disaster relief after the blast.
First message as Secretary General
The opening message on assuming MECC’s General Secretariat in October 2020.
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Forty-two years in university education documented by 2020
Teaching, research, doctoral supervision and research ethics across economics and sociology.
Elected Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches
MECC's Executive Committee elected him on 18 September 2020 for a four-year term.
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Lebanon and its economy: connecting economics and sociology
A lecture for secondary students explaining the relationship between economics and sociology through Lebanon's realities.
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Vagueness, information and public space in Lebanon
An expert contribution on how rumours and vague information affect public life.
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A socioeconomic reading of conspicuous consumption
Michel Abs, identified as an economic sociologist at Saint Joseph University, discussed spending patterns and social display in Lebanon.
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Unemployment in Lebanon between economics and politics
A socioeconomic analysis of disguised unemployment, patronage and the mismatch between education and the labour market.
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Applied university education and the world of work
An early press record identifies Michel Abs as head of Sociology and Anthropology and director of postgraduate programmes in journalism and human resources at Saint Joseph University.
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Graduation from the Orthodox School of the Annunciation in Beirut
Michel Abs graduated in 1970 from the school he later described as foundational in shaping his spiritual and social values.