The Peacemakers Committee of the Coptic Orthodox Church organized a symposium on citizenship with the participation of Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy, Egypt’s Coordination’s Committee of Parties’ Youth Leaders and Politicians (CPYP), the National Council for Women, and many young scholars and priests.
The event took place at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo on Tuesday.
The attendees discussed the pivotal role of the Egyptian state in combating terrorism and spreading a culture of equality, justice and citizenship, the presidential initiatives and the national dialogue called for by the political leadership.
They also discussed several essential issues that play a pivotal role in instilling the values of citizenship, including education and culture. Also, these axes’ efforts can contribute to spreading a culture of peace and dialogue.
The meeting began with a speech by Archbishop Raphael Tharwat, a member of the Peacemakers Committee. He emphasized consolidating the bonds of love, peace, and coexistence among the people of the same nation.
He also indicated that the idea to form the Peacemakers Committee in the Coptic Orthodox Church, materialized under the patronage and support of Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, Head of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church and under the supervision of Anba Daniel, Secretary of the Holy Synod and Bishop of Maadi and Dar es Salaam, and headed by Bishop Julius, Bishop of Public and Social Services.
Tharwat conveyed the greetings of Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark to all and praised the idea of forming a committee of “peacemakers”.
The symposium activities began with a speech from the Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy (AIRA), Dr Nazir Ayad, which included conveying the greetings of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif to the attendees. He also praised the idea of the Peacemakers Committee and thanked the CPYP.
Ayad highlighted the importance of lifting societal awareness of the correct concept of citizenship, and the idea of citizenship is sometimes not comprehended in its proper context.
He also indicated the meeting comes in line with the state’s efforts and the principles of the new republic.
“The error is not in religion textbooks, but the selective reading of the texts. The fundamental principles of citizenship must be emphasized, including collaboration, participation, integration and human fraternity, and that difference does not prevent mutual respect,” Ayad said.
