Cairo – August 25, 2025
Within the All Saints Anglican Cathedral in El-Zamalek, Cairo, the Centre of Christian-Muslim Understanding & Partnership (CCMUP) held the closing ceremony of the “Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding” training program that was carried out in El-Minya Governorate, attended by Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria, and Bishop Dr. Mouneer Hanna Anis, Archbishop-Emeritus and Director of CCMUP.
The ceremony was also attended by Professor Dr. Mostafa Abdel Ghany, General Coordinator of the Egyptian Family House; Bishop Armia, Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, and Assistant Secretary-General of the Egyptian Family House; along with a number of religious and social leaders from different faith communities.
In his address, Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy emphasized the importance of strengthening dialogue and fostering mutual understanding among all segments of society, stressing that peace can only be achieved through unity of purpose and collective action for the common good of the nation. He also congratulated Dr. Abdel Ghany on his recent appointment as General Coordinator of the Egyptian Family House, wishing him continued success in his new role.
Bishop Mouneer noted that the purpose of the training was to encourage positive steps that reinforce social cohesion and national unity, explaining that by engaging local leaders from diverse religious and social backgrounds, the initiative aims to promote community peace and strengthen bonds among citizens. “This is the mission of the Center,” he said, “and it is also the mission of the Church—to build a nation rooted in understanding and love.”
Bishop Ermia added, “Embracing the path of peace and the spirit of diversity is what we strive for and practice daily. Getting to know one another is the true foundation of coexistence in a single homeland. At the Egyptian Family House, we do not engage in theological debate; rather, we promote human and social values that unite us and enable us to live together in love and mutual respect.”
In his speech, Dr. Mostafa Abdel Ghany stated that the celebration is, in essence, a tribute to the peacemakers of Egypt, emphasizing that “we are honoring a nation committed to preserving its unity and stability. We are all responsible for spreading peace—in our homes, workplaces, and communities—through knowledge, work, and human connection. Peacemakers are angels walking on earth, protecting the nation’s fabric and nurturing love and harmony among its people. May we all be among those who build peace, saying: ‘O God, reconcile our hearts and guide us to the paths of peace.’”
This training program comes as part of the ongoing projects of the Christian-Muslim Center for Understanding and Partnership, organized in cooperation with the Egyptian Family House, Misr El Kheir Foundation, and the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo, with the aim of promoting a culture of dialogue and peacebuilding and confronting challenges that threaten national unity, particularly in Upper Egypt.
The closing day was attended by several distinguished guests, including:
- Rev. Dr. Matthew Anderson, Director of Academic Studies at the Center
- Mr. Mohamed Mostafa, Policy Officer at the Irish Embassy in Cairo
- Ms. Hannah Toomey, Consul of Ireland in Egypt
- Dean Hany Shenouda, Dean of All Saints’ Cathedral;
- Mr. Kareem Gerges, Director of International Partnerships and Communications, CCMUP;
- Rev. Sameer Wanees, Director of Community Initiatives, CCMUP;
- Ms. Ayat Abdel Aziz, Community Initiatives Coordinator;
- Mr. Salim Wasif, Dialogue Advisor at CCMUP;
Counselor Adly Hussein, Former Governor of Qalyubia and Board Member of the Center; - Dr. Gerges Saleh, Former Secretary-General of the Middle East Council of Churches and Board Member;
- Bishop Philopateer, Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Abu Qurqas;
- Dr. Amal Gamal, Head of the Life Aspects Sector at Misr El Kheir Foundation;
- As well as Sheikh Essam Hassouna and Mr. Makar Omda, Coordinators of the Egyptian Family House in Minya.
