Bishop of Egypt sends message of hope, appreciation as Mubarak vows to step down
Episcopal News Service. February 2, 2011 [020211-01]
Matthew Davies
Bishop Mouneer Anis of the Diocese of Egypt has written a letter of appreciation for all the prayers and messages sent from around the world in light of the recent instability and anti-government protests in that country.
"In the midst of the turmoil which Egypt is going through, we have felt that the Lord is very near to us. We have experienced his peace, and we were assured of his protection," he said, noting that all the churches in the diocese are safe even though the government-provided security was withdrawn Jan. 28. "This assured us that the one who protects the churches is the Lord of the church."
For just over a week, demonstrators have been protesting the 30-year rule of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak who had appeared determined to cling onto power until he announced Feb. 1 that he would not seek re-election when his term ends in November.
With his announcement, Mubarak appointed Ibrahim Soliman as vice president, Anis said. "He has a good reputation among Egyptians," said Anis in the statement released by the Anglican Communion News Service. "This appointment ruled out the possibility of appointing the president's son as a successor."
Mubarak also appointed Ahmed Shafiq as new prime minister. "He is a very good man and has done a lot of improvement in his previous ministry" as minister of civil aviation, said Anis. "President Mubarak also called for a review for the constitution to allow democracy; he also assured the people that those who were responsible for the violence, destructions, looting, escape of prisoners, etc… will be brought to judgment."
But Anis' statement was soon followed by news that violence between thousands of Mubarak supporters and opponents had erupted in Cairo's Tahrir Square.
Several thousand prisoners have escaped since the protests began on Jan. 25; looters have robbed and set fire to several stores and some hotels have been completely ransacked.
"I was touched to see young adults, Muslims and Christians, guarding the streets, homes, and our churches," said Anis. "They did not allow any thieves or looters to come near the area. They also arrested some of those and handed them over to the Army. I applaud our local Egyptian clergy and people who joined the youth in the streets in guarding homes and churches."
Anis, president bishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, said he "admired all our expatriate clergy and diocesan staff who refused to leave Egypt in order to stay in the midst of the people who decided not to go, even when their embassies encouraged them to leave and provided airplanes to do so."
One priest who decided to remain in the country is the Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler, an Episcopal Church mission partner who has served since 2003 as rector of an international Episcopal church. He told ENS on Jan. 31, "If ever I've had a role to play, it's right now."
Chandler said he and his wife Lynne are needed as a point of contact for his community in the Maadi district of Cairo and to stand in solidarity with Egyptians friends and colleagues, both Christian and Muslim.
Meanwhile, in Yemen, where similar protests have been underway, President Ali Abdullah Saleh has said he will step down in 2013 when he completes his current term.
"Egypt is a very important country in the whole of the Middle East, and whatever happens in Egypt affects the rest of the countries," said Anis, commenting on Saleh's announcement. "We pray that we can set a good example to the surrounding countries."