Today, The Most Reverend Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Province of Alexandria of the Episcopal/Anglican Church, inaugurated the closing ceremony of the Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding Training, which was held last month in Minya Governorate. The event was attended by The Most Reverend Dr. Mouneer Hanna Anis, Archbishop Emeritus and Director of the Christian-Muslim Center for Understanding and Partnership.
Also participating were Prof. Dr. Mostafa Abdel-Ghani, General Coordinator of the Egyptian Family House; His Grace Anba Ermia, General Bishop, Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, and Assistant Secretary-General of the Egyptian Family House.
In his speech, Archbishop Samy Fawzy emphasized the importance of activating dialogue and strengthening values of mutual understanding among all members of society, noting that peace can only be achieved through unity, cooperation, and working together for the good of the nation. He also congratulated Prof. Dr. Mostafa Abdel-Ghani on his recent appointment as General Coordinator of the Egyptian Family House, wishing him continued success in his new role.
Archbishop Mouneer Hanna shared: “The aim of this training is to learn how to take positive steps that strengthen our social fabric and national unity. Through the participation of local leaders from various religious and social backgrounds, we seek to achieve community peace and enhance solidarity within society. This is the goal of the Center, and it is also the mission of the Church.”
His Grace Anba Ermia added: “Engaging in the journey of peace and embracing the spirit of pluralism are what we strive for and practice in our daily work. Getting to know one another is the true foundation for coexistence in one homeland. Through the work of the Egyptian Family House, we focus on our nation, Egypt—not by debating doctrine, but by offering a human and social vision that unites us and enables us to live together in love and respect.”
Prof. Dr. Mostafa Abdel-Ghani said: “Today we are celebrating the peacemakers, but in truth, we are celebrating a nation that values its unity and stability. Each of us is responsible for spreading peace in our homes, workplaces, and communities—through knowledge, work, and human connection. Peacemakers are like angels walking on earth, preserving the fabric of our nation and fostering love and harmony among its people. We pray that we may all be peacemakers, saying: ‘O Lord, reconcile our hearts and guide us in the paths of peace.’”
This training program comes within the framework of activities organized by the Christian-Muslim Center for Understanding and Partnership, in collaboration with the Egyptian Family House and Misr El-Kheir Foundation, with the goal of promoting a culture of dialogue and peacebuilding, and addressing challenges that threaten national unity—particularly in Upper Egypt.
The event was also attended by Archdeacon Hany Shenouda, Dean of All Saints’ Cathedral; Rev. Dr. Matthew Anderson, Head of Studies at the Center; Mr. Salim Wasif, Dialogue Advisor at the Center; Justice Adly Hussein, Former Governor of Qalyubia and Member of the Center’s Board of Trustees; Dr. Gerges Saleh, Former Secretary-General of the Middle East Council of Churches and Board Member; His Grace Anba Philopatir, Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Abu Qurqas; Dr. Amal Gamal, Head of Life Aspects Sector at Misr El-Kheir Foundation; Sheikh Essam Hassouna, Coordinator of the Egyptian Family House in Minya (alternating with Anba Philopatir); and Mr. Makar Omda, Coordinator of the Egyptian Family House in Minya.