Bishop spreads a message of peace
Following an extended interview of the Bishop of Egypt concerning his seminar on the context and consequences of the ‘Arab Spring’, an excellent article by JAYNE RICHARDSON of 14 Jan, 2012 04:00 AM in The Examiner:
THE Anglican Bishop of Egypt is visiting Tasmania spreading a message of peace and acceptance.Brought to the state by Tasmanian Anglican Bishop John Harrower, Bishop Mouneer Anis is in Port Sorell today to share his hopes for a new democratic Egypt.
Bishop Harrower has been conducting workshops titled “Understanding our Islamic Neighbours” for years and said he felt it was important that Tasmanians were given the opportunity to see the similarities and differences of Christianity and Islam and received the message of treating people from all faiths and cultures with respect.
By bringing Bishop Mouneer to the state to discuss his experiences, Bishop Harrower said it would personalise the issues.
“I think it is important for us in Tasmania to have Bishop Mouneer here with us because we need to understand the world in which we live, and I think it is easy for us in Tasmania to be sheltered from some of the broader issues that are going on in the world,” he said.
“While we might not face all of the same issues that he’s facing, there are some similar issues of Islam and western democratic tradition, and he brings with him a model of engagement with people that is respectful, civil and generous.”
Bishop Mouneer has a reputation as a peace keeper and said he would like to see common ground found between the Islamic and Christian faiths in Egypt and had already been approached by six members of government who had asked for his advice in finding a solution to the civil unrest.
“We, of course, as a Christian community, would love to co-operate for the building of Egypt and to co-operate with the muslims, our scripture teaches to love everyone and we love the muslims and are happy to work with them to build our beloved country,” Bishop Mouneer said.
Although the revolution in Egypt, known as the Arab Spring, was at times violent, he said it had torn down the barrier of fear among the people of Egypt who had learnt to stand up for their beliefs in order to effect change.
“They (the government) may learn in time that they should reach a compromise for the sake of Egypt and if they don’t do this, I think the people of Egypt will never be silent again,” he said.
Article plus photograph of Bishop Mouneer in The Examiner, Bishop spreads a message of peace.
Also, Media release and Bishop of Egypt: info & pray.
