Lebanon's minister of culture, Dr Tarek Mitri, at the weekend expressed gratitude to the World Council of Churches (WCC), for its expressions of solidarity following Israel's attacks on Lebanon.

At the same time, he stated his expectations that WCC's solidarity should not only be expressed through humanitarian relief but also in terms of putting pressure on governments to revive the peace process in the region.

As the WCC Central Committee gathered in Geneva during a session on Lebanon, Mitri addressed the debate, which will become part of a broader public issues discussion on the situation in the Middle East. He said, “All of us Christians and non-Christians draw strength from the solidarity of people around the world.

“WCC and member churches were among the first to respond, to speak a word of wisdom and courage, to launch a humanitarian appeal and to visit us.”