Armenian Evangelical World Council Holds Biennial Meeting in Montreal
The Armenian Evangelical World Council held its biennial meeting from October 17 to 18 at the First Armenian Evangelical Church of Montreal, in Quebec, Canada.
President of the AEWC, Dr. Nazareth Darakjian opened the meeting with a brief meditation. The Council paid tribute to the memory of former Executive Director/CEO of the AMAA, Zaven Khanjian.
Following the written and oral reports of the officers of the Council and the representatives of church unions and organizations, the AEWC Board dealt with the ecclesiastical and inter-union matters on the agenda and made decisions accordingly.
Special subjects of concern, deliberation and prayer were the political and social situations in Artsakh, the Middle East and Armenia.
The AEWC sadly noted that, since the independence of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh, this past September, Armenians celebrated only one independence—Armenia’s—
In the aftermath of Artsakh’s depopulation, the Armenian Evangelical World Council, once again, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to stand in solidarity with the refugees of Artsakh and extended a helping hand to provide food and psychosocial support and shelter to them through the Armenian Missionary Association of America.
More than a year has passed since the occupation of Artsakh, and the future of Artsakh refugees remains uncertain. One thing is certain, though, many Artsakh Armenians desire to return to their ancestral homes with the guarantee of safety.
The Council also discussed the issues of prisoners of war and the detention of former Artsakh political leaders, as well as the destruction of Armenian cultural and religious sites by Azerbaijan.
The AEWC resolved to appeal to the United Nations and the international community to take the following measures:
- To guarantee the safe and dignified return of the displaced refugees to their ancestral homes in Artsakh;
- To free all Armenian prisoners of war in Azerbaijan, including the former political leaders of Artsakh;
- To prevent future violations of human rights by Azerbaijan;
- To prevent the destruction of Armenian cultural and religious sites.
Regarding the Middle East war, particularly its extension to Lebanon, the AEWC deplores and condemns the loss of lives, the destruction of the property and the displacement of people from their homes, and calls for immediate ceasefire between the sides.
Meanwhile, it commends Armenian Evangelical leadership in the area for its political wisdom, introspection and compassionate attitude toward human suffering during this crisis.
As for the political situation in Armenia, it is no secret that the homeland is in an existential struggle. It has overwhelming external and internal pressures. There are vast differences of opinion toward the present administration both in Armenia and the Diaspora. The AEWC reiterates its belief that administrations are transient, they come and go, but the fatherland is permanent. It is the sacred duty of every Armenian to support Armenia against enemies.
The meeting was adjourned by a closing prayer and benediction by Executive Director Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian.
