Five different churches in Egypt including the Coptic Orthodox
Church, the Catholic Church, the Evangelical (Presbyterian) Church, the
Greek Orthodox Church and the Anglican Church have joined together to
form the Egypt Council of Churches after one year of deliberations and
meetings between the churches.The announcement was made in a press release by Bishop of the Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa, and Primate of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, the Most Revd Dr Mouneer Hanna Anis.
The bishop said, "It is so important that this council is born at this time while Egypt is going through a very challenging circumstance politically, socially and economically. It means a lot for the churches to face these challenges together with one heart and soul."
The launch of the council took place on 18 February and was hosted by His Holiness, Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church, known as the "Mother" church of Egypt.
"The first goal of the Egypt Council of Churches is to enhance the bonds of love and the spirit of co-operation among the member churches," explained the Primate.
Bishop Mouneer said, "There are 15 different committees that will be active in the areas of faith and unity, youth, Sunday schools, community development and women among others."
The Primate acknowledged the importance of such collaboration among churches, "Each church in this council will enrich the others with its heritage," and added, "It is important to affirm the principle of inter-dependence of each church."