<\/p>\n
The spread of the terrorism throughout the world has given rise to a dire need for peace; peace is humanity\u2019s gateway to safety and reassurance which, in turn, motivate people to work and be productive. On the other hand, the absence of peace changes the world to a jungle where beasts disguised as humans roam!<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Mission<\/span><\/strong><\/span> – Establishing the \u201cEgyptian Family House Friends\u201d groups in schools and universities.<\/span><\/strong><\/span> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The spread of the terrorism throughout the world has given rise to a dire need for peace; peace is humanity\u2019s gateway to safety and reassurance which, in turn, motivate people to work and be productive. On the other hand, the absence of peace changes the world to a jungle where beasts disguised as humans roam! […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":40397,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,52,75,74],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40393","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-chairman-news","category-75","category-74"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/copticocc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40393"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/copticocc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/copticocc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/copticocc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/copticocc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40393"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/copticocc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40393\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40583,"href":"https:\/\/copticocc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40393\/revisions\/40583"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/copticocc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40397"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/copticocc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40393"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/copticocc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40393"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/copticocc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40393"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nMuslims consider \u201cpeace\u201d one of God\u2019s names. In Surat al-Hashr (Exile Chapter), we read, \u201cGod, no Lord but Him, the King, the Holy, the Peace.\u201d In Christianity, we talk about God as, \u201cthe God of peace, the King of peace, and the source of peace for everybody.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nPeace falls into three categories:<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Peace with God: it emanates from man\u2019s learning God\u2019s commandments.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Peace with people: it springs from leading a life of continuous love and cooperation.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Constant peace: which nobody can do without.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nReligions have established the importance of peace for man. Peace is a pillar in Islam\u2019s teachings. This is indicated in many chapters. In Surat al-Baqarah (The Cow Chapter), we read, \u201cO believers! Do conform to peace.\u201d In Surat al-Hujrat (The Chambers), we read, \u201cO people! We have created you men and women and made you peoples and tribes to love one another, for the best of you is the most pious.\u201d The phrase, \u201cto love one another\u201d has a great purpose. God wants humans to love one another and live in peace and affection. In Christianity, peace-makers are blessed by God; we also read in St. James\u2019 Epistle, \u201cPeacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nWhen Omar bin al-Khattab, the second Rashidun Caliph, got hold of Jerusalem, he refused to pray in any church. He told the bishop of Jerusalem, \u201cLest my Muslim successors come and take it, saying, \u2018Omar held prayers here.\u2019 Thus, he gave a lovely image of tolerance. He worshipped outside the Resurrection Church where a mosque bearing his name was built later.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nPeace and fraternity are contained in several treaties and conventions which the history of Islam has tackled. Examples are the Najran Accord, the one given to Banu Taghlib, the advice given by Abu Bakr al-Siddiq to Usamah bin Zaid, Omar bin al-Khattab\u2019s testament before his death, Khalid bin al-Walid\u2019s convention to the Damascenes, Amr bin al-\u2018As\u2019 treaty with the Copts as well as his relation with Pope Benjamin, the thirty-eighth patriarch. Amr handed the Pope all the churches that were seized by the Romans and restored him peacefully to his see. <\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nIn all those treaties and conventions, Muslims reassured Christians about their churches, monasteries, cells, property and blood.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nLikewise, the Bible tells us, \u201cAnd if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?\u201d Even more, we read, \u201clove your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you\u2026\u201d Should this be it, then how would our dealing with our fellow countrymen be like?<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nMany people moan from terrorism, which deems it necessary for the whole world to unite for combating it. Terrorism can be combated socially, politically, strategically, and economically. Yet, the most important tool in combating terrorism is the ideological one. So, let us prioritize it in order to protect our societies. We need to protect youth, in specific, from being overcome by this destructive ideology.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe ideological tool has two aspects, namely, a corrective one which resists mental fallacies and following their destructive effects, and an educational one that aims at implanting sound values promoted by religions.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nThus, Egypt considered establishing the \u201cEgyptian Family House\u201d.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Egyptian Family House<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nGrand Imam of al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb is the initiator of the idea of \u201cThe Egyptian Family House\u201d. Reposed Pope Shenouda III, 117th patriarch, welcomed it due to his love and appreciation for Dr. al-Tayeb, which is why he agreed to participate in establishing the \u201cEgyptian Family House.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe idea made its debut as a result of the massacre of Our Lady of Salvation Church in Iraq. This took place on October 31, 2010. Then came the bombing of the Two Saints Church in Alexandria on the eve of 2011. It is clear that there was a plan to create sectarian conflicts among Muslims and Christians of the Middle East. The plan involved spreading the idea of \u201crejecting the other\u201d. In effect, Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb visited Pope Shenouda III on January 2, 2011, to comfort him and present him the idea. The Pope welcomed the initiative, and implementation ensued.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nDue to Dr. al-Tayeb\u2019s clear and enlightened vision as well as his incessant toil, the Egyptian Family House was established in 2011. It is an independent organization presided by the Grand Imam of al-Azhar and the Coptic Church Pope. Also, the Egyptian Family House involves representatives of Christian sects as well as some experts and specialists.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nGoals (As Per Act I):<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Preserving the oneness of the national fabric. <\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– In order to do so, communication and coordination amongst the concerned bodies has to be achieved.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Presenting suggestions and recommendations to these bodies.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Conducting meeting and conferences in Egypt\u2019s governorates.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe Egyptian Family House strives to implement the following mission:<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Acknowledging common and shared values amongst religions, cultures and civilizations.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Creating a new discourse that advocates ethical and ideological upbringing that meets the youth\u2019s needs and enhances interest in the culture of peace and renouncing hatred.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Utilizing the Egyptian cultural legacy, along with the unique historical and cultural elements of the Egyptian character.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Getting along with the other and implanting cooperation and mutual understanding amongst the country\u2019s citizens.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Detecting and suggesting preventive measures that preserve societal peace.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nAdministration<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Egyptian Family House is a joint organization presided by the Imam of al-Azhar and the Pope of the Coptic Church. Its headquarters is the Imam\u2019s Headquarters in Cairo. Al-Azhar is now represented by Professor Doctor Ahmed al-Tayeb, while the Coptic Orthodox Church is represented by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th patriarch.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Egyptian Family House has a secretary general and an assistant secretary general. Current Secretary General is Dr. Hamdy Zaqzouq, ex Minister of Endowments.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Egyptian Family House is run by:<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– The Board of Trustees: they are not less than 11 and not more than 27 members. This board assembles regularly. Yet, it can assemble at times of urgency. The Board of Trustees sets the general policies of the Family House and observes their implementation.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– The Executive Board: it is presided by the secretary general aided by the assistant secretary general. It observes the implementation of general policies, and includes committee heads and their assistants.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nCommittees<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nReligious Discourse Committee<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nGoal<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Modifying religious discourse as befits the implementation of the Family House goals, mission, and social values.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Training imams and priests in Egypt\u2019s governorates.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Conducting monthly or quarterly one-day or more meetings to implant values, such as love, mercy, cooperation and belonging in people\u2019s minds.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– For instance, throughout three years, the committee has organized 12 meetings for imams and priests. They were entitled \u201cTogether for Egypt\u201d. They were attended by about 70 imams and priests each year. These meetings included lectures, sessions, discussions, training and joint caravans that visited churches, mosques, monasteries, hospitals, schools and some projects together. They also included meetings with the heads of the Egyptian Family House and religious leaders, which had a positive impact on effecting common values and reviving forsaken ones. These meetings were powered by metropolitan Munir Hanna. Meanwhile, joint meetings between students of al-Azhar institutes and clerical seminaries are being arranged.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Education Committee is responsible for:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\n– Reviewing current curricula to avoid any negative impact on societal peace.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Setting and implementing an educational document which meets the ideology and goals of the Egyptian Family House.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Dispatching an imam and a priest to give a short speech during the morning parade in primary, preparatory and secondary schools in some governorates.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Presenting meaningful programs that aim at implanting citizenship amongst students in collaboration with the General Administration of Social, Psychological and Scouting Education as well as student unions.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Youth Committee is in charge of :<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Implanting values, such as: abandoning violence and all sorts of extremism.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Developing youth\u2019s capabilities, as well as finding out and sponsoring the talented.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Organizing meetings and sessions for youth in universities, institutes, and clubs to enhance them spiritually, culturally and economically.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Organizing scouting camps and sport tournaments.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Boosting youth\u2019s role in building their fatherland.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nFamily Culture Committee:<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nIts role: <\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Raising the Egyptian family\u2019s awareness and developing it socially, culturally, ideologically, and hygienically through holding regular sessions that implant the family\u2019s role in building the society, and presenting mother role-models.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nExecutive Emergency Committee <\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nIts mission:<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Evaluating and studying crises in order to participate in solving them.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Raising awareness to avoid crises.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nMedia and Public Relations Committee is in Charge of <\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Complete media monitoring of the other committees\u2019 activities.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Conducting meetings and preparing reports about the activities of the Egyptian Family House.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nMonitoring Committee strives to<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Follow up, evaluate, and develop work plans, implementation tools and performance standards.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Monitor and measure the commitment to achieving general and specific goals.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n– Observe negligence and issuing recommendations.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nWork never stops in the Egyptian Family House. Several branches for it have been established in governorates, and the establishment of branches abroad is being studied. The experience of the Egyptian Family House which mission is combating ideological terrorism and establishing a sound soul is but a striving toward world peace. Thus, it deserves all effort and endurance. We have a role to play in order to attain true peace. It requires understanding and diligence so it might be acheived. Likewise, it requires dialogue and a deep understanding and love for others, as, when the power of love overcomes the love for power, the world will be peaceful!<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe mission of the Egyptian Family House bears the peace and tolerance promoted by religions. Let me, as I end my speech, quote the Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb, in the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies which was held in Abu Dhabi in April, 2015, \u201cThe relationship of a Muslim with any other entity: be it a person, an animal, a plant, or an inanimate is, in Islam\u2019s core philosophy, a comradeship and a friendship that is mainly based on peace and understanding.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nConcerning non-Muslims, Islam has laid great importance on treating them well. In Hadith (Prophet Mohammed\u2019s sayings), we read, \u201cWhoever hurts a non-Muslim is no Muslim. We have made a covenant with them and their siblings. It is an eternal covenant. Whoever is in charge should abide by it and implement it.\u201d Another Hadith states, \u201cBe kind to the Copts, for they are our kin and brethren.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nAs for Omar bin al-Khattab\u2019s testament before his death, he commanded the keeping of promises and conventions with non-Muslims and not overloading them. How kind and tolerant this caliph was!<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nHowever, some people might lose tolerance out of religious zeal. Yet, in Surat al-Ghashiyah (The Pall), we read, \u201cRemember, you are being reminded, that you do not control them.\u201d In Surat al-Ma\u2019ida (The Table), we also read, \u201cThe only prophet\u2019s mission is to convey a message.\u201d A prophet\u2019s mission and message are ones of truth. In Surat Yunus (Jonas), we read, \u201cIf God wished, all people would be believers; you cannot compel them to believe. Nobody becomes a believer unless God allows it.\u201d Likewise, in Surat al-Baqarah, we read, \u201cThere is no coercion in religion.\u201d All these are but testimonies of the tolerance Islam has taught people in treating others, especially non-Muslims.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nWe thank God Who has granted us religious leaders who strive to attain joint peaceful living. Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb represents Islam\u2019s moderation. Pope Tawadros II toils to implant love, peace and the principle of joint living.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nEgypt was blessed by the prophets\u2019 advent, like Abraham, God\u2019s friend, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, then St. Mary with her child who fled from Herod: for they sought refuge in her land. Egypt will always be the world\u2019s safe fortress. May God guide us to whatever is good for humanity.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n