Bishop's Report August & September 2008
"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off" (Isa 55:12-13).
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you for your prayers and support over the past few months. This has been an extremely busy and difficult time in the life of the Diocese of Egypt and for the Anglican Communion as a whole. The Lambeth Conference 2008 was an pportunity for all Anglican bishops to come together to discuss, learn and face the challenges in front of us.
Unfortunately many of my brother bishops from the Global South were not there and their absence was sorely missed. Archbishop Rowan Williams described the Communion as "wounded."
It was very clear that we are not divided over issues like social justice, environment, interfaith relations, etc..., but the real division was around the issues of interpretation of Scripture, human sexuality, the Anglican Covenant and the Windsor Process. North American bishops continuously stressed the importance of accepting diversity and differences within the Anglican family. I agree as long as diversity involves the nonessentials of faith. But it is obvious that we have major differences on the essentials of faith. The churches in North America allow the culture to shape the faith, rather than allow the Gospel to transform the culture. I would say yes to diversity, but no to unlimited diversity.
We, as a church, are called to be "light and salt" in this world. In other words, we have a role to shine on and to preserve the society where we live. We would not be able to achieve this role unless we preserve our own istinctiveness as "light and salt." This does not mean that we isolate ourselves from the comunity where we live, becoming exclusive. We need to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone, but not at the expense of our distinctiveness. We live in this world, but we should not be conformed by the world. In the contrary, we need to transform the world (Romans 12).
Clergy Breakfast in Cairo:
On Thursday 21 August, almost all of the clergy from Egypt came together for a time of food and fellowship. The clergy welcomed Rev. Jos Strengholt for the first time, and lay-minister Nebiyou from Ethiopia. We, Bishop Derek and I, shared about the Lambeth Conference and what its implications are for the Diocese of Egypt and the Anglican Communion. It is always great to hear from my colleagues about the news of the churches and the activities that happened during the summer time.
Baptisms and Confirmations:
At All Saints' Cathedral on Sunday 17 August, Bishop Derek confirmed several Sudanese into the Anglican Church. This was a time of great joy and celebration with ululating women, dancing men, and drums easily beating out complex rhythms. That same day, at St. Mark's Church in Alexandria, I baptized one child. It was the first child to be baptized in the new Arabic-speaking congregation at St. Mark's. Rev. Emad Azmy, who is in charge of this congregation, is now preparing a group for confirmations.
The Way of Life Project:
That same evening we held the first graduation of drug addicts after they fully gave up addiction. "The Way of Life" project takes place in the Northcoast, 40 kilometers from Alexandria, has been very successful in rehabilitating drug addicts. Each one of the former addicts stood up to tell his testimony of healing. One of them said "I never dreamed that I would quit taking drugs, but I did not only quit drugs, but I also accepted Jesus as my savior—that is much more important!" Another one said, "It is the love of the people in the Way of Life as well as in St. Mark's Church who changed my life. They accepted me as I am."
The Deaf Unit Graduation:
Monday 18th August was the end of the teachers training in Sign Languages. The teachers came from all over Egypt. Many churches sent them to be trained so that they can open classes for the deaf children or help in interpretation for the deaf in the churches. It is always a great ecumenical event: Coptic Orthodox, Coptic Catholic, Protestant and Anglican Churches send teachers to this training. 50 teachers graduated. I was touched when several of them mentioned how much they appreciated the oneness in Christ! Orthodox priests joined us in the event. We thank God for the growing work among the deaf in our church as well as others.
Revival Meeting in Heliopolis:
The Rev. Canon Medhat held a three-day revival meeting where I preached on "Restoration to the Image of God." This was attended by members from St. Michael's Heliopolis, the new congregation in Ezbet El Nakhel and the Sudanese congregation. It was a very blessed time.
Sports Committee:
On 26 August, Mark Taky, our Diocesan Youth Worker and the Sports Committee met with me to discuss their vision for the upcoming years. It was a good time to visit with them while on a felucca on the Nile. Rev. Drew, my chaplain, also shared with the young people about his "Karate experience" and how he was able to get a black belt! We had a good time and they were keen to include more youth and use sports to reach out to young people living in Egypt.
Staff Retreat:
The Diocesan and Cathedral staff all went on a weekend retreat to the Red Sea from 2830 August. This was a wonderful time to gather away from the work environment and to build relationships. Spouses and children were also invited, making it a family event. This was the first time that Nancy and I were able to attend. The staff led the different sessions—both the spiritual and the fun.
Fighting Illiteracy Programme:
We signed an agreement with the Government Department of Adult Education to start literacy classes in our social centres. The government is going to contribute financially towards this programme. We have now six classes up
and running, five of them are for women and girls. There are an additional two
classes which are about to start. We are very happy to participate in this great
ministry. It is a very important way of empowering women in our society.
I am
very grateful to Mrs. Mariam Awad, the Executive Director's Assistant for
Community Development, for her relentless work.
Conference For Disadvantaged Families
Our community development centres at Ein Shams and Medinet el Salaam organized a
special conference in Gamasa in the Northcoast. They invited women and their husbands from their areas for special programme to promote healthy marital relations and to encourage women to play their role within the family and the society. I had the privilege to spend the day in this conference and to hear stories from several women. One of them said, "I took my son to the nursery in the centre and I learnt that there is literacy classes. I joined these classes and now I can read and write. I was rewarded because I was the first in the class."
I am very grateful for the social workers who work in these centres as well as
Mrs. Mariam Ibrahim Awad who supervised these programmes. We are also grateful to the Anglican Board of Mission, Australia who supports this awareness programme.
Working for a Better Environment:
We agreed with the National Democratic Party to be involved in the Party's programme for improving our environment, through our community service centres. The Party promised to financially support our activities in this area. It involves cleaning street and lanes, planting trees and awareness classes about the importance of preserving our environment.
Iftar (Break-fast) During the Fasting Month of Ramadan:
The Episcopal School in Menouf organized an Iftar for Muslim and Christian staff and their families. The Chairman of the City Council, the Director of Education and other guests from the city gathered to share a meal together. Such events strengthen the national unity and build bridges between staff and civic leaders. Mr. George Girgis, the Episcopal School principal is very gifted in bringing people together and widening the scope of the community service of the school.
Great News from the Horn of Africa: Thanks to CMS-Ireland!!!
Bishop Andrew Proud shared with us the good news of receiving a generous grant from CMS-Ireland and Irish Aid. Under the terms of the grant, we have an obligation to raise 15% of the total amount, which is $145,053 over 3 years. CMS Ireland are obligated to raise 10% of the total project cost." Do pray for all our efforts to raise this amount from different organizations. I thank God for the partnership of CMS Ireland and Irish Aid for their great support in the Horn of Africa.
Alexandria School of Theology:
It was a real joy to start the academic year with a reception and dinner for the faculty and their family of AST at All Saints Cathedral. It was great to pray for the new year and to have fellowship with each other. Ms. Helen Fraser, the AST Development Officer, organized the event and the opening ceremonies. She wrote, "We thank and praise God that He has blessed us with over forty five new students, eight new faculty members, predominantly Arabic speaking, and granted us permission to use four air-conditioned furnished classrooms in the building previously occupied by the British International School in Cairo."
Meeting with the Jordanian Ambassador:
King Abdullah II of Jordan granted land to the Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem to be used for the construction of a new church. The land is situated in the area of El Maghtas (where Jesus was baptized). Bishop Suheil Dawani, the Diocesan Bishop of Jerusalem, met the His Majesty King Abdullah II to thank him in person. I visited the Jordanian Ambassador to thank the King for his kindness to the Diocese of Jerusalem.
The Ambassador hoped that the church, which is going to be built at this site, would be an important site where Christians would come from all over the world. Let us pray for Bishop Suheil as he raises funds for this very important and strategic church.
We say goodbye to faithful servants in our Diocese:
• David & Margaret Shelton: David & Margaret are faithful friends of the Diocese
of Egypt and came to serve as interim directors of the Guest House during our time of need. They helped us last year and again this year, and we look forward to having them here again.
• Drs. John & Alison Kerr: Dr. John and Dr. Alison lived and worked at Harpur
Memorial Hospital in Menouf. Dr. John helped with the vision and fundraising
scheme for Harpur Community Health Centre in Sadat City, and has been a
constant witness to the staff in Menouf. Alison aided the Episcopal School in
Menouf and provided encouragement to the staff both there and at Harpur
Memorial. They will be deeply missed, and we hope to have them back soon.
Visitors to our Diocese:
• Bishop Kito and Lynnore, the Maori Bishop in New Zealand
• Andrew & Stephanie Doust (son of former Dean of All Saints Cathedral, Jim Doust)
• A group from CMS-Ireland
• A Sports group from France, Ireland and The Netherlands
• Dr. Bruce and Mrs. Rosemary MacFayden from the USA
• Dr. John Francis from the USA
• Stephen Daughty from Anglican Board of Missions, Australia
Prayer Requests:
1) For Rev. Michael Starr who is going to be installed in Christ the King Church, Tripoli Libya.
2) For the upcoming Ordination of Dr. Bahig Ramzy on All Saints Day.
3) For a suitable person(s) to run the Diocesan Guest House
4) For the completion and funding of the new projects:
• Harpur Community Health Centre in Sadat City
• Building extension of Harpur Memorial Hospital in Menouf
• New building for Menara School for children with special needs
5) For the upcoming consecration of The Rev. Canon Dr. Bill Musk as an assistant bishop for the area of North Africa (Tunisia, Algeria and Libya.)
Pray for Bishop Andrew and Janice Proud:
7. Thanksgiving for the substantial grant from Irish Aid, through CMS Ireland, to develop land
8. Please pray that we manage to raise the sufficient funds, as our obligation
under the terms of that grant.
9. The worsening famine situation in Ethiopia. And, as if that was not bad enough, those who have now been hit hard by flash-flooding.
10. The Mission Centre leaders' "Team-building" retreat.
Pray for Bishop Derek and Alice Eaton:
11. Thanksgiving for a wonderful time in Ireland (Belfast Bible Week)
12. Prayers for search for the English-speaking chaplain at All Saints Cathedral
13. Please pray for Muslims during the month of Ramadan.
See the English Version of the website: www.dioceseofegypt.org/english
Thank you and may the Lord bless you!
Yours in Christ,
Thank you and may the Lord bless you!
Yours in Christ,
+Mouneer Egypt
The Most Rev. Dr. Mouneer H. Anis
Bishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt
With North Africa and the Horn of Africa
President Bishop of The Episcopal/Anglican
Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East
.jPG)
