Beautiful Egypt 181 – «The Egyptian Family House» – November 13, 2016

   In the previous article, we spoke of the “Toward an Integrated World” conference which was organized by the Muslim Council of Elders and held in Abu Dhabi within the framework of the dialogue between the Elders of the East and West. We shed light on the speech given by Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb which laid the responsibility of achieving peace on our shoulders: as he called for universal fraternity. The conference fell into four sessions in which the following issues were tackled:
– Religious pluralism and freedom of creed.
– Initiatives and experiences of tolerance and joint living.
– The role of religions in boosting citizenship and implanting human values.
– The obstacles hindering dialogue and joint living as well as possible solutions.
The four sessions included twelve speeches in which men of religion from East and West took part. Egypt participated in the conference with a speech entitled “The Egyptian Family House”. In that speech, the world’s dire need for peace and mutual understanding among humans living in fear and worry were highlighted: “With the spreading of terrorism in the world, peace has become one of the most important requirements of our age. Through peace, humanity enjoys safety and quietude which give people the opportunity to work more diligently and become more productive. In the absence of peace, the world changes to a jungle whence beasts disguised as humans roam.”
   Religions have agreed upon the importance of peace of man with God, people, and himself. Thus, they called upon man to achieve it. Also, history shows the greatness of peace promoters, such as Caliph Omar bin al-Khattab who was a role model for peace and tolerance. Thus, being under the constant threat of terrorism and turmoil, a preeminent necessity of a united world that faces both has emanated. Though terrorism can be faced socially, economically, politically, and strategically, the most important way to face is the ideological one: for this very tool is essential in protecting the society, especially youth, from being driven by that destructive torrent. 
   Ideological combating of terrorism has two aspects. The first aspect is corrective for it confronts following flawed ideas which is deemed destructive. The second facet is educational for it aims at implanting sound religious values that boost man’s worth. Thus came the idea of establishing the “Egyptian Family House”.

The Idea of the Egyptian Family House

   Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb is the initiator of the idea of the “Egyptian Family House”. This idea was welcomed by reposed Pope Shenouda III, 117th patriarch of St. Mark’s See, due to his love and appreciation for Dr. al-Tayeb.
The idea came to being after the bombing of “Our Lady of Salvation” Church in Iraq on October 31, 2010 after which the Two Saints’ Church bombing took place on the eve of 2011. These miseries showed that there was a conspiracy to create sedition amongst Muslims and Christians of the Middle East.
   The core of this conspiracy was spreading the ideology of “rejecting the other”. Hence, as Dr. al-Tayeb was condoling his Holiness Pope Shenouda III on January 2, 2011, he suggested the idea which the pontiff welcomed, after which they started implementing it. Due to Dr. al-Tayeb’s efforts and diligence, the Egyptian Family House was founded in 2011.

Goals 
– Preserving the oneness of the national fabric. 
– In order to do so, communication and coordination amongst the concerned bodies has to be achieved.
– Presenting suggestions and recommendations to these bodies.
– Conducting meeting and conferences in Egypt’s governorates.

Mission

The Egyptian Family House strives to implement the following mission:
– Acknowledging common and shared values amongst religions, cultures and civilizations.
– Creating a new discourse that advocates ethical and ideological upbringing that meets the youth’s needs and enhances interest in the culture of peace and renouncing hatred.
– Utilizing the Egyptian cultural legacy, along with the unique historical and cultural elements of the Egyptian character.
– Getting along with the other and implanting cooperation and mutual understanding amongst the country’s citizens.
– Detecting and suggesting preventive measures that preserve societal peace.

Administration

   The Egyptian Family House is a joint organization presided by the Imam of al-Azhar and the Pope of the Coptic Church. Its headquarters is the Imam’s Headquarters in Cairo. Al-Azhar is now represented by Professor Doctor Ahmed al-Tayeb, while the Coptic Orthodox Church is represented by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th patriarch.
   The Egyptian Family House has a secretary general and an assistant secretary general. Current Secretary General is Dr. Hamdy Zaqzouq, ex Minister of Endowments.

The Egyptian Family House is run by:

– The Board of Trustees: they are not less than 11 and not more than 27 members. This board assembles regularly. Yet, it can assemble at times of urgency. The Board of Trustees sets the general policies of the Family House and observes their implementation.
– The Executive Board: it is presided by the secretary general aided by the assistant secretary general. It observes the implementation of general policies, and includes committee heads and their assistants.
Several committees emanate from the executive council, one of which is the religious committee which goals are:
– Modifying religious discourse as befits the implementation of the Family House goals, mission, and social values.
– Training imams and priests in Egypt’s governorates.
– Conducting monthly or quarterly one-day or more meetings to implant values, such as love, mercy, cooperation and belonging in people’s minds.
   – For instance, throughout three years, the committee has organized 12 meetings for imams and priests. They were entitled “Together for Egypt”. They were attended by about 70 imams and priests each year. These meetings included lectures, sessions, discussions, training and joint caravans that visited churches, mosques, monasteries, hospitals, schools and some projects together. They also included meetings with the heads of the Egyptian Family House and religious leaders, which had a positive impact on effecting common values and reviving forsaken ones. These meetings were powered by metropolitan Munir Hanna. Meanwhile, joint meetings between students of al-Azhar institutes and clerical seminaries are being arranged.
   Work never stops in the Egyptian Family House. Several branches for it have been established in governorates, and the establishment of branches abroad is being studied. The experience of the Egyptian Family House which mission is combating ideological terrorism and establishing a sound soul is but a striving toward world peace. Thus, it deserves all effort and endurance. We have a role to play in order to attain true peace. It requires understanding and diligence so it might be acheived. Likewise, it requires dialogue and a deep understanding and love for others, as, when the power of love overcomes the love for power, the world will be peaceful!
   We thank God Who has granted us religious leaders who strive to attain joint peaceful living. Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb represents Islam’s moderation. Pope Tawadros II toils to implant love, peace and the principle of joint living.
Egypt was blessed by the prophets’ advent, like Abraham, God’s friend, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, then St. Mary with her child who fled from Herod: for they sought refuge in her land. Egypt will always be the world’s safe fortress. May God guide us to whatever is good for humanity. What a great story! Stories never end in Beautiful Egypt.

General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center