Christians in the Middle East

Christians in the Middle East Pope Benedict XVI announced the convocation of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops to be held in October 2010 with these goals: "to confirm and strengthen the members of the Catholic Church in their Christian identity, through the Word of God and the sacraments," and "to foster ecclesial communion among the Churches sui iuris, so that they can bear witness to the Christian life in an authentic, joyous and winsome manner."

Who are Christians in the Middle East?

Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops – 10-24 October 2010
In this Special Assembly, the Synod of Bishops utilized its Instrumentum Laboris, the working document based on responses to the Lineamenta, the initial guidelines set forth by the Holy Father in preparation for the Synod. Forty-four propositions were presented and a concluding message was issued on October 24, 2010.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS from the Synod

See also these pages for issues affecting Christians in the Middle East:

• Iraq
• Israel-Palestine
• Lebanon

Resources from other organizations

• Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in the Middle East
• Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA)