International Affairs, Peace & Human Security WCC Press Release, 11 May 1995 WCC GENERAL SECRETARY TO VISIT JERUSALEM, WEST BANK AND GAZA

Dr Konrad Raiser, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), will visit WCC member churches in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza from 15-21 May 1995.

This visit is the latest in a series made to member churches by Dr Raiser since his appointment as General Secretary in January 1993. These visits have proved a means for Dr Raiser to establish personal contact with member churches and their leadership and to familiarise himself with the hopes and concerns of these churches.

Dr Raiser's programme, which is being organised by the member churches in the region, will include talks with church leaders and visits to a number of church-run projects.

Dr Raiser will also pay a number of courtesy calls on Israeli and Palestinian political leaders.

The Catholic President of the Middle East Council of Churches, H.B. Michel Sabbah, will host a reception for Dr Raiser on Tuesday evening, 16 May, at Notre Dame in East Jerusalem.

Dr Konrad Raiser (Evangelical Church in Germany), will be accompanied by a small delegation of WCC staff members:

Rev. Dwain Epps (Presbyterian Church [USA]), Co-ordinator of International Affairs;
Ms Salpy Eskidjian (Armenian Apostolic Church), Commission of the Churches on International Affairs;
Mr Costandi Mustaklem (Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and All Palestine), Unit II: Churches in Mission: Health, Education, Witness;
Rev. John Newbury (UK Methodist Church), Office of Communication.