In the face of tension and violence, Middle East Christians must work to defend freedom, democracy, peace and the human rights of each and every individual, the leaders of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East have said.
The Synod's introduction, prepared by Middle East Church leaders, said: "We must emerge from a logic in defence of the rights of Christians only, and engage in the defence of the rights of all."
The introductory report was prepared and read by Coptic Patriarch Antonios Naguib of Alexandria, Egypt, the Synod's recording secretary, and by Maronite Archbishop Joseph Soueif of Cyprus, Synod special secretary. It introduced the topics for discussion at the Synod during its first working session.
