Charles Lewis  October 9, 2010 – 8:05 am

The Synod of Bishops for the Middle East begins Sunday and runs through Oct. 24 in Rome. Archbishop Thomas Collins of Toronto has been appointed to this synod that will look at the plight of Christians in the Middle East. The struggle of Christians to maintain their dwindling communities has been an issue for decades, but that problem is often overshadowed by the conflict between Muslims and Jews.

The synod is mainly made up of bishops from the region as well as outside bishops who can bring another perspective and perhaps learn more ways to help Christians in the Middle East. Archbishop Collins, who is now in Rome, explained why the work of the synod is so important to the future of the region and what his own diocese is doing to help Christian refugees.

The synod will begin with a mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral on Sunday morning in Rome.

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