Under the patronage of Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Province of Alexandria of the Episcopal Church, the “Christian-Islamic Center for Understanding and Partnership,” in cooperation with “Dialogue Company,” concluded an extensive training workshop titled: “Building Peace Among Different Religions Through Changing Stereotypes and Reducing Their Impact”, hosted in the governorate of Minya. The event brought together young male and female participants from both Muslim and Christian backgrounds.
Archbishop Samy Fawzy stated:
“Changing stereotypes in Egyptian society is an urgent necessity to build a shared future based on respect and cooperation. The shared history of the nation’s citizens, rich with experiences and challenges, cannot be reduced to preconceived notions or generalizations. Promoting public awareness of the importance of religious and cultural pluralism and encouraging genuine dialogue helps remove psychological barriers and rebuild trust.”
The workshop began with a welcoming speech by Bishop Emeritus Dr. Mouneer Hanna, Director of the Center, who emphasized the importance of opening channels of communication between youth from different religious backgrounds, noting that peace begins with eliminating false stereotypes.
The program aimed to foster a culture of dialogue and coexistence, addressing negative stereotypes resulting from a lack of communication among people of different faiths. It included field visits to sites like the Monastery of the Virgin Mary at Gabal El-Tair and Sheikh Ahmed El-Fouly Mosque, helping participants appreciate the richness of Egypt’s spiritual heritage.
The event also featured lectures and workshops on religious texts promoting peace, concepts of citizenship, and analysis of the Document on Human Fraternity. Dr. Shaimaa Adly, a preacher from Al-Azhar, spoke on how citizenship represents diversity and richness—not dissolution—emphasizing the need to apply the principles of fraternity in daily life. Reverend Samir Dawood also called for moving beyond terms like “minority” and embracing full national partnership.
Trainers from “Dialogue Company” led practical exercises focused on deconstructing stereotypes, including interactive activities that uncovered participants’ preconceptions and promoted shared values.
The workshop saw wide participation from religious and community leaders, including Ms. Amal El-Zeiny (initiative coordinator), Mr. Aweis Gheryani (Mayor of Samalout), Father Dawood Nashid (Deputy of Samalout Diocese), Sheikh Mohamed Ammar (representative of Al-Azhar), Sheikh Ahmed Khairy Mandrawy (representative of the Ministry of Endowments), and Mr. Maqar El-Omda (general coordinator of the training), as well as Ms. Heba Taqi and Ms. Mervat Youssef (representatives of the Family House women’s committee), the head of the Teachers Syndicate in Samalout, and a number of local mayors, sheikhs, and community leaders.