On the 27th March Presiding Bishop István Szabó and leaders of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon as well as of the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East has singed a Memorandum of Commitment expressing their dedication to the partnership with each other.
Together we recognize that the basis of the Church's existence and mission is that the redeeming will of God has become manifest in Christ. Consequently “it is necessary that there always should have been, and should be now, and to the end of the world, a Church” (Second Helvetic Confession) which is called to be a sign, foretaste and servant of the Kingdom of God in the world through proclaiming the Gospel of Christ to the world in both word and deed.
As members of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), we recognize each other as true members of the one Church that is “committed to God’s saving purposes for the transformation of the world”. We confirm that the special relationship between our churches is based upon our common commitment to and equal partnership in the mission of Jesus Christ in the world.
Reading the signs of our times, we are especially concerned by the great human suffering and political difficulties that our people are facing in the Middle East. We have been greatly disturbed by the incidents of violence that innocent civilians and entire communities, especially Christians, have been subjected to. As “Ambassadors for Christ” in promoting peace and reconciliation, we strictly condemn and oppose any form of religious discrimination, oppression and persecution. In our cooperation, we therefore give special attention to helping Christian communities to remain and serve God in their homelands and be witnesses to the Good News of Christ, and thus invite and encourage others to join and support our common mission.
Together we commit ourselves to support each other in this ministry and to develop our cooperation among the different areas of our Church life. Our commitment to Christian values, to human dignity for all, to just peace and reconciliation, to human rights of minorities, and to equal citizenship in our societies of all communities, irrespective of their religious and ethnic background, is unquestionable. Our cooperation shall include, but not be limited to, sharing resources and expertise in the fields of humanitarian assistance, diaconal service, community development, Christian education, and pastors’ training, as well as encouraging congregational partnerships, solidarity visits of church officials, and exchange programs for pastors, experts, and young volunteers.
Both churches give thanks to God for this relationship and look forward to the future, in Christian solidarity, as we seek to walk together in the footsteps of Christ and continue to pray for each other. “Christ is our future, together we follow Him”.