Jerusalem
and the Middle East
Church Association

Download a PDF of our magazine (1mb)

Bishop Mouneer Anis writes concerning the current dispute dividing Anglicans

Lambeth conference

I have decided to attend the Lambeth Conference. I don’t believe in withdrawal. I think it is so important to go and speak our mind boldly and listen to others as well. Do pray for Bishop Andrew Proud and Janice, Bishop Derek Eaton and Alice, and Nancy and myself as we prepare for this important conference.

Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON)

Some of my fellow Primates and Bishops from around the Communion are planning to meet in Jerusalem Diocese before Lambeth. The aim of their meeting is to discuss the future of conservative Anglicans within the Communion. I very much understand that they have lost hope in finding a solution for the present crisis. A good part of them have announced that they will not attend the Lambeth Conference. While I share their theological stand and their disappointment, I do feel that we should exert every effort to deal with the crisis within the Communion. I shared my view that it would be more appropriate to meet after Lambeth and not before. I do hope and pray that all my brothers and sisters who will attend this conference will receive the encouragement and the direction they are looking for.

Desert Saints study tour

Early this year, we had 35 people from the USA visiting us to do a study tour looking at early Christianity in Egypt. The group was led by Prof. Les Fairfield of Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, USA, and organised by Dr. Theresa Newell. Nancy and I joined the group for four days. It was great to learn more about the Desert Saints who kept the faith of the Apostles against all heresies and in spite of hardships.

Anglican Way of Theology course

Rev. Dr. Justin Terry, professor of theology at Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, USA, came to give us a short course on the Anglican Way of Theology. All clergy as well as students from Alexandria School of Theology attended the course. This was an excellent time during which we reviewed the work of prominent people in the history of the Anglican Church since the Reformation until now.

AST residential conference

It was great to attend the Alexandria School of Theology (AST) residential conference. Around 130 students attended and we had visiting lecturers from the USA, UK and Australia. It is so encouraging to see the students growing in their understanding of mission as well as the context in which we live. While they are studying the Church’s mission, they are also learning about other faiths and traditions in Egypt. I do appreciate very much all the efforts of the staff under the leadership of Rev. Emad Azmi, the Principal of

Tunisia and Libya

Nancy and I recently visited Tunisia and Libya. I was so encouraged by what I saw in St. George’s, Tunis. God has blessed this church with many gifted lay ministers and a very committed church council. It was great to have fellowship with them all, especially Pastor Kwame and Pastor Emil who have been leading the church since Rev. Gerald Brulotte left last summer. I confirmed four young people during my stay there. The biggest challenge that faces St. George’s is how to serve the tiny Tunisian church. I am confident that our church will face this challenge with great strength.

We went on to Libya, joined by Prof. Thomas Oden, head of the Centre of African Christianity, Drew University, USA. He gave two lectures about the Libyan contribution to the Christian faith, one in the Islamic University and the other in our church. This was very well attended. The most interesting questions came from one of the students at the Islamic University: “If this is the history of Libya, why are there no native Christians today?” We reflected a lot on this question and we came to the conclusion that the Christian church in the early 6th century didn’t make enough efforts to establish an indigenous church among the Libyan tribes who were living there.

Information on the Diocese of Egypt with North Africa