Events Calendar

	AEI-Open Windows News The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Brazil/ Porto Alegre Brazil     The network of Christian Organizations in Bethlehem participated in the WCC 9th Assembly in Brazil/ Porto Alegre in the period between 14th and 23 February 2006. About 13 youths and 4 adults participated in this assembly. At the assembly there was an exhibit area where our booth exhibited several publications, leaflets of the network. We also distributed bracelets with Palestine and the Palestinian flag as embroidery, in addition to t-shirts with a slogan on them. At the booth we performed Palestinian folkloric dances (Dabkah) and songs, which captured the attention of the majority of the delegates and the participants.           We also participated in a plenary entitled "Youth Overcoming Violence". Four participants talked about their personal experiences on how they overcame violence. Three youths also participated in a workshop entitled "Youth dealing with violence" Where they talked about their personal stories regarding the problems they face because of the Israeli occupation repressive actions. A very interesting discussion followed the presentation about what the Palestinian civil society organizations do in order to transform anger and violence We participated in another workshop entitled "The Christian Identity in the Middle East" when one of the youth group spoke about the "Christian Identity in Palestine". He talked about the situation of the Christians in Palestine concerning demography, rights, threats and strengths.           We attended several workshops and plenaries on different topics. We participated in a peace march. We walked in the streets of the center of Porto Alegre and in the end His Grace Bishop Desmund Tutu from South Africa called for peace, justice, love and reconciliation in all parts of the world. We met with the Palestinian community in Brazil. We even were welcomed by the new ambassador of Palestine in Brazil Mrs. Nadia Bamia. They told us about the situation of the Palestinian community there, and the problem of losing their identity as Palestinians because of their integration in the Brazilian culture. We attended the Sunday mass at the Roman Catholic Cathedral. Then we went shopping on the Sunday Market in Porto Alegre, where we bought souvenirs; we also went for a beautiful natural place where we climbed down and up a 1000 step ladder to a water fall area.           Finally, the WCC 9th Assembly was a new and unique experience for all of us. First of all; it was the first time we traveled to Brazil. Secondly, the participants were from different organizations of the network and had a very good communication with one another. Thirdly, WCC 9th Assembly was a huge conference and during the churches' delegates meetings and side conversations we were able to learn more about different churches public issues as well as to inform about our local churches concerns especially those of the youth. Finally, these ecumenical meetings have helped us to communicate more effectively our Palestinian cause especially our Palestinian national aspirations for ending occupation and achieving freedom, justice and peace.