Many Americans assume people in
the Middle East are all Muslim terrorists. Images carried by the
Western media promote that stereotype. I can assure you that this
is just not the case. However, stereotypes can be very powerful.
Even within Egypt, Muslims and Christians living side by side
have stereotypes of each other.
Last spring I interviewed several Egyptians who participate in
a CEOSS program, the Forum, which brings Christians and Muslims
together. I want to share with you their comments because I find
them revealing.
Pastor Samir Sadak
“I am Pastor Samir Sadak from Minia. I have participated
in Forum programs for five years. During these years I have changed
my mind about many things in regard to what I thought I knew about
Muslims. When I was in seminary, I took some courses on Islam,
but I never met or got to know any Muslims. In the Forum I have
met many Muslims, and now, in Minia, there are things that we
do together.
“My church is in a very poor district where many women,
both Muslim and Christian, have problems with health, pregnancy,
and illiteracy. I gather them together—both Muslim and Christian—to
try to address some of the problems. I invite a doctor to give
them accurate information. Because in our culture, the people
have many misunderstandings about religion and what it requires
from people in regard to their roles, I invite a sheikh to provide
the Muslim perspective while I provide the Christian perspective.
“I’m glad the Forum is expanding outside of Cairo.
I hope it will expand to many places in Upper Egypt so relationships
between Muslims and Christians can be improved.”
Ibrahim Mohamed Reda
“My name is Ibrahim Mohamed Reda. I am a sheikh in Cairo,
in the crowded neighborhood of Shubra. For the last few years
I have participated in the Forum and I have experienced how it
has changed the religious leaders. In the beginning, both Christians
and Muslims were suspicious of each other. Now we occupy a better
place. We want to continue and do something positive for society.
“The Forum introduces ideas, but change comes through the
mosques and the churches into the community. In Shubra, as a result
of the Forum, we have held some joint programs for the community.
We had a program to recognize mothers who are positive role models
in the community. Five Christian women and five Muslim women were
selected. A sheikh gave prizes to the Christian recipients and
a pastor gave prizes to the Muslim recipients. The program was
held in a church so Muslim families had an opportunity to visit
and learn about a church. In addition, it was an opportunity for
Muslims and Christians in the community to learn about each other.
People learned that there are many concerns they have in common
and that they can work together. The Forum hasn’t yet had
a major impact on Egyptian society in general, but little by little,
positive change is taking place.”
My experience is that the vast majority of Egyptians, both Muslim
and Christians, are people of good will. They love their families
and want their children to live full and productive lives. They
love to joke and to offer hospitality. Like us, they have their
shortcomings. And hopefully, like us, they are willing to change
and learn and grow.
May God give us the wisdom to see the humanity in all our neighbors
and the love to recognize their pain and their joy. And may the
peace of Christ be with you.
Nancy and Charles
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
318 |
