The Forum of Dialogue of Cultures held at the Coptic Evangelical Organization a meeting on Monday, March 13, 2017, under the patronage of Dr. André Zaky, head of the Evangelical community in Egypt.
The meeting was held in a hotel in Cairo and was attended by journalist Hilmi al-Namnam, Minister of Culture, Dr. Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa, Minister of Awqaf, and representatives of the Christian communities including His Eminence Anba Ermia General Bishop and head of Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center and Archbishop Nicola Antonio, spokesman of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.
Deputy Minister of Housing and a number of political, parliamentary, popular and religious leaders, intellectuals, press and media figures also attended.
The meeting began with poetry delivered by two classical and colloquial poets and music was played by professors from the Faculty of Specific Education in the background. Also screened a recorded video of the unity of Egyptians, and artist Iman Bahr Darwish delivered a number of words that reflect national unity.
• Rev. Andre Zaki praises the Egyptian Govenement in dealing with sectarian incidents
During the meeting, Dr. Andri Zaki, head of the evangelical community in Egypt, praised the Egyptian Govenement in dealing with sectarian incidents and for heading towards coexistence.
“The government and the society are very professional in dealing with recent sectarian strives” said Rev. Andre Zaki
“The vocabulary used by the political and religious leaders in Egypt is very important and must be carefully studied, as it reflects openness towards the other and recognition of the right for difference” he said.
He also praised Azhar document, stressing that the Evangelical Commission will implement these recommendations through the training of two thousand young men in Minya province, stressing the importance of working with Al-Azhar and the Ministry of Awqaf to advance the model of coexistence.
He said that the Egyptian state is moving clearly towards coexistence, pointing out that all churches damaged by terrorist groups have been restored after the dismantling of Rabaa and Nahda sit ins in 2013.
