The Conference of European Churches has added to calls for an immediate cease-fire in the Middle East and the release of all hostages… The Conference of European Churches has added to calls for an immediate cease-fire in the Middle East and the release of all hostages, while in Beirut, two Christian youth and student groups had warned the violence could have negative repercussions on Christians in the region. “The call for a cease-fire has up to now gone unheeded by those who have the power to effect it,” said CEC general secretary Archdeacon Colin Williams in a statement.