wfn.org | ACNS Diocese of Egypt Welcomes Third Anglican Global South Encounter

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

ACNS 4053     |     MIDDLE EAST      |	   20 OCTOBER 2005

The Episcopal Diocese of Egypt welcomes the Third Anglican Global South to 
South Encounter

>From 25th - 30th October 2005, about 120 delegates, representing 20
provinces within the Anglican Communion, from Africa, Asia and Latin
America, will be meeting in Egypt for their third Global South
Encounter. The Conference will take place at the Red Sea.

We, here in Egypt, are honored and privileged to be hosting this
historic gathering of Anglican Archbishops, bishops, priests and
laypersons from throughout the Global South. We also believe it will be
a special time of encouraging one another, learning from each other, and
most importantly, praying together. Our focus will be on "One Holy
Catholic and Apostolic Church". This Conference is important as it is
being held at a critical time in the life of the Anglican Communion.

I warmly welcome the news that Archbishop Rowan Williams has accepted
the invitation of the Global South Working Committee and will join us
for part of the Conference. This will be his second visit to Egypt and
we are most grateful to him for taking the time out of his busy schedule
for this occasion.

Throughout the Biblical story, from Abraham to Jesus, Egypt symbolized a
divine place of refuge and sanctuary. From the patriarch Abraham going
to Egypt during a time of famine, to the tribe of Israel moving to Egypt
when there was famine in their land, to the Holy Family escaping Herod
to Egypt to protect the Christ child. Egypt symbolized God meeting His
people in their time of need. So Egypt in the Scriptures reminds us of
God's faithfulness. Our prayer is that during this Encounter, God will
provide spiritual refreshment and new ministry vision to all who attend.
As we gather by the Red Sea, may we be reminded of the presence of God
among us and His unfailing promises.

It is worth mentioning that the first South to South Encounter was held
in Limuru, Kenya, 1994 and the second was held in Kuala Lampur in 1997.
Today we are excited to welcome all attendees and we encourage them to
come to Egypt with a sense of expectation for the presence of God. It is
a real honor for us to have this gathering in our land.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Mouneer Hanna Anis
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Egypt, North Africa and the Horn of
Africa

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