Statement of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Leaders of the Evangelical Church in Egypt

This text is transcribed from documents received from the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, headed by Dr. Andrea Zaki, a chief participant in this meeting.

The text reads:

Based on a welcoming letter from Dr. Rev. Safwat al-Bayadi, President of the Protestant Community of Egypt and Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki, Vice-President, sent to the General Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood, which addressed some public opinion issues at this critical stage in Egyptian history after the January 25^th Revolution and gained the attention of the Guidance Office of the Muslim Brotherhood, and based on the two parties’ communication, the General Guide called for a meeting to gather the leaders of the evangelical church and the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood. The meeting took place on February 28, 2012, at the headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood. The General Guide has agreed to visit the headquarters of the evangelical church upon invitation.

The participants consented on the importance of the current historical moment Egypt is going through after the revolution, which requires everyone to take social and historical responsibility to advance the country. The participants emphasized that Egypt’s future depends on community cohesion and unity, and stressed on the basic values of the Egyptian society that represent its social and cultural identity and brings its citizens together.

The participants agreed on the following:

• The sons of the country are all partners in one destiny and one future.

• The joint struggle of all Egyptians of all segments of society, that was manifest in the January Revolution, represents the cornerstone of societal unity; the struggle reflects that full citizenship, based on equality, is the foundation of this society.

• All sons of the country have the same rights and responsibilities as the constitution states. Equality among all citizens constructs societal unity; efficiency is the only criterion to hold a public position; and equality of economic opportunities is the basis of justice.

• The Egyptian society is based on solidarity, interdependence and compassion among all people, which represents the bond that includes all citizens without discrimination. Therefore, education should promote the values of tolerance, solidarity and pluralism.

• Respect for beliefs and sanctities is obligatory. Prevention of any contempt of others’ beliefs and the incitement of hatred is a compulsory social responsibility of loyal citizens.

• Freedom of belief and religious practices as well as freedom to build or renovate religious houses – in light of the law and the right for citizens to resort to their own religious laws concerning their personal affairs along with other rights mentioned in the Islamic Sharia’ – are all considered part of the values of the Egyptian society and a base for its cultural authenticity.

• The participation of all citizens in defending the country is the responsibility of all, and it is the crucible where all segments of society are melted and form national unity. This national unity is crucial to fighting all internal and external enemies of Egypt who want to drive a wedge between its societal segments.

• The religious values are the motives of the renaissance. Therefore, everyone must mobilize these values to achieve a better future for Egypt.

• Societal responsibility obliges all leaders, institutions and religious movements to fight against all types of strife, intolerance and discrimination, and consolidate the unity of society.

• The Egyptian society’s identity represents the frame for all its people. All people have made contributions to this identity and deserve its legacy. Protection of societal values is considered the basis of cultural uniqueness and the responsibility of all citizens who contributed to building Egypt’s civilization together over time.

All participants of this meeting made emphasis on the importance of communication between the two parties to promote joint activities, especially among the youth, such as encouraging active participation, advocating for values and religious morals, and carrying the social responsibility of fighting the illness that affected the Egyptian society under the previous regime. This will guarantee everyone the right to participate in building a new Egypt that achieves the demands and dreams of the revolution.

Attendees from the Muslim Brotherhood:

• Dr. Mohamed Badie (General Guide, Head of the Executive Office)

• Mr. Mohamed Mahdy Akef (former General Guide)

• Dr. Rashad Mohamed Bayoumy (Vice-General Guide)

• Dr. Hosam Abo Bakr al-Seddik (Member of the Guidance Office)

• Mr. Walid Shalaby (Media Counselor to the General Guide)

Attendees from The Evangelical Church in Egypt:

• Dr. Rev. Safwat al-Bayadi (President of the Protestant Churches in Egypt)

• Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki (Vice-President of the Protestant Churches in Egypt)

• Rev. George Shaker (Secretariat of the Protestant Churches in Egypt)

• Rev. Soliman Sadek (Pastor of the Evangelical Church in Fagala)

• Dr. Rev. Makram Naguib (Pastor of the Evangelical Church in Heliopolis)

• Dr. Rev. Atef Mehanny (President of the Evangelical Seminary)

• Dr. Helmy Samuel (Member of the Parliament)

• Dr. Rafik Habib (Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services)

• Rev. Refaat Fathy (Secretariat of the Evangelical Synod)

• Dr. Rev. Sarwat Kades (Chairman of the Board of Dialogue of the Evangelical Synod)

• Dr. Emad Ramzy (Secretariat of the Board of Directors of CEOSS)

• Rev. Daoud Ebrahim (Member of the Council of the Presbyterian Church in Egypt)

• Rev. Eid Salah (Member of the Council of the Presbyterian Church in Egypt)

• Mr. Farouk al-Zabet (Head of the Congregation of the Evangelical Brethren Church)

• Dr. Fready al-Bayadi (Member of the Council of the Presbyterian Church in Egypt)

• Rev. Nady Labib (Head of Cairo Presbyterian Council)

• Rev. Refaat Fekry (Pastor of the Evangelical Church in Ard Sherif)

Please click here to access the agreement in Arabic