“We will be American Middle East Christians together or we will not exist”

“Our Middle Eastern Christians Heritage is distinguished by its antiquity, its patrimonies, the variety of its liturgical expressions, the authenticity of its spiritualities, and the breadth of its theological horizons.”

And the forces of its centuries-old existence which has sometimes reached the heroism of martyrs. All this represents a living experience which we bear in our hearts, a powerful stimulus for our hope and a source of confidence and perseverance from which we draw in looking to the future.

Diversity is an essential characteristic of our heritage.  This diversity has always been a source of richness for our heritage when we have experienced in it the unity of faith and charity.  Unfortunately, this diversity has been changed into divergences and separation in the past. Nevertheless, what unites us is even stronger and more important than what divides us.  It does not prevent us from meeting each other and helping one another.  The Christianity of the East, in spite of its divisions represents a fundamental unity in faith, which nothing can break.  We are Christians together, in good times and in bad. Our vocation is one, our witness is one, and our destiny is one as well. We are thus required to work together in the different ways available and, in a spirit of fraternity and love. We must do this in the various areas where we are compelled by the common good of Christians, as well as  by the aspirations of all the believers of our various heritages, who put great hope in our rapprochement and our mutual assistance.

On March 26, 2002, a general body of clergies and lay people representing American Middle East Christian Communities met at the Palace of Southfield, Michigan to discuss issues relate to the American Middle East Christians. After much deliberation and discussion, the American Middle East Christian Congress (AMECC) was founded.

A preliminary by-laws was created and a preliminary Board of Directors was elected .

A series of town hall meetings were held, chaired by His Excellency Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim at Mother of God Church- Cultural Center, followed by town hall meetings at Syrian Catholic Church,

chaired by Father Toma Azizo, followed by town hall meetings at St. Mark’s Coptic Church, chaired by Father Mina Isaac, followed by town hall meetings at St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church, chaired by Father George Balbaky, followed by town hall meetings at the Assyrian St. Mary’s Parish Church, chaired by Reverend B. Benjamen.

New town hall meetings will be held at other Churches and cultural centers to discuss AMECC vision and mission and issues related to American Middle East Christians.

There were other bilateral and multilateral meetings at various cultural halls with other like-minded organizations to discuss issues such as affiliation, memberships, and a general policy to promote the aspirations of the American Middle East Christians.

The AMECC has published its first Heritage booklet to inform and educate the public at large  about our heritage including the heritage of  the Arab Christians, Antiochian Orthodox, Armenians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Coptics, Maronites, Melkites, Protestants, and Syrians.

On November 1, 2002, AMECC celebrated its first annual gala dinner at the Palace of Southfield, Southfield, Michigan, with over 600 people in attendance under the heading, “Bridging heritage and Humanity.” In addition to the American Middle East Christians who attended this gala there were representative of other non- American Middle East Christians community organization leaders representing different religious organizations and communities.

It was well attended by elected officials and civic leaders at the federal, state, county, and city levels.

Among them, Honorable U.S. Senator, Debbie Stabenow (Key Note Speaker), Honorable Congressman David Bonior, Honorable Congressman Joe Knollenberg, Honorable Congressman John Conyer, Honorable Congressmen Sandra Levin, and a representatives of U.S. Senator Carl Levin, and many members of Michigan State Legislative headed by Representative John Pappageorge.

A number of civic leaders, Detroit City Council members headed by President Maryann Mahaffey, judges, mayors, Carl Marlinga  Macomb County Prosecutor, Robert Ficano new Wayne County Executive representative were in attendance.

 At this unique event, various heritage and folklore items were presented in order to fulfill its “Bridging heritage and Humanity” motto by songs and fashion shows to represent the heritage of the American Middle East Christians, Including a special dance presented by Bhartiya Indian Temple and a Polynesian dances.

Upcoming activities:

Ø The AMECC committees invites you to join the various committees in order to fulfill its vision and mission.

Ø Public relation activities including Radio, Television, Newspapers and press releases.

Ø Advisory members will be invited from the American community at large to assist AMECC in its vision and mission.

Ø Recruitment of active members and supporters

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year

We welcome your comments, opinions, and encourage you to be active.

Ramsay F. Dass, M.D., President, AMECC December 1, 2002