Grote bezorgdheid van Anglicaanse bisschop van Egypte

Saturday 19 February 2011

"On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us." (2 Corinthians 1:10b)

My Dear Friends,

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Thank you for your continuous prayer for the people of Egypt. I do not know where we would without your prayers. Thank God that we are all safe. The current situation is still foggy. Not only foggy, but it is very, very difficult to predict what is going to happen. There are voices that cry for an Islamic state and other voices that don't want this; they want a secular and pluralistic society based on democracy.

We are so grateful to all of you who have generously contributed towards our ministry to the disadvantaged at this time of turmoil. Thank you so much!

Yesterday there were big demonstrations in Tahrir Square as people continue to celebrate the Revolution. Sheikh Yousef Al Qaradawi, a strong Egyptian Imam who lives in Qatar, came especially to lead the Friday Prayers and to preach to the crowds who are estimated to be more than one million. Sheikh Yousef previously was not allowed to lead any of these activities within Egypt because of his extreme views. This gave a serious signal to many of us about the direction that may take place.

Christians in Egypt request the drop of Article 2 of the current Egyptian Constitution which states that the Islamic Sharia is the sole source of legislation. We find this restricting in many ways the development of a pluralistic democratic country. It also contradicts with Article 40 which affirms rights for every citizen in all aspects.

At this point, the best we can do is to pray so that God's will would prevail. We are encouraging all Christians to be more active and participate in the upcoming elections.

Once again, thank you for your prayers and your support. Please continue to pray for us and for our beloved country Egypt.

May the Lord bless you!

Yours in Christ,

+Mouneer


The Most Rev. Dr. Mouneer Hanna 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