Episcopal Press and News

Anglicans key to interfaith bridge-building efforts in Egypt, Episcopal mission partner says

Episcopal News Service, Cairo. February 4, 2009 [020409-03]

Matthew Davies

Anglicans in Egypt are vital for bridge-building between Christians and Muslims, says the Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler, an Episcopal Church mission partner who has spent the last five years as priest of a suburban church in Cairo.

"Anglicans in this part of the world have a disproportionate influence, which is a real catalyst for building" friendships and understanding between Christians and Muslims, said Chandler, 44, who explained that after the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001, he sensed a growing divide between East and West.

Chandler saw an opportunity to do creative things at St. John's Church in Maadi, a community he describes as theologically and liturgically broad. Under his leadership since 2003, the church's three priorities have centered on Muslim/Christian relations, community development, and faith and the arts.

Built in 1931, the last building designed by international architect Sir Herbert Baker, the church today is host to 10 congregations worshipping in many different languages and an Arabic service is offered every Sunday evening.

The church's commitment to deepening interfaith relations is highlighted through education programs and cultural events, such as the current exhibition featuring the creative work of 18 Arab and Western artists.

"It's about proactively waging peace and goodwill," said Chandler. "At this moment in time, it is important to be a bridge and to facilitate my Muslim brothers and sisters to experience a different side of the Christian faith so it can enhance their own life and faith."

Chandler spent the first 18 years of his life in Dakar, Senegal, where his parents served as missionaries and Islam is the predominant religion. He was ordained in the Church of England's Diocese of Chichester by an Egyptian bishop who happened to be visiting at the time. Today, Chandler is canonically resident in the Diocese of Spokane, where Bishop James Waggoner has been supportive of his ministry in the Middle East. As long as he can remember, Chandler has had a passion for building bridges between Christians and Muslims.

St. John's outreach efforts serve both Christians and Muslims and are an integral part of the church community, said Chandler. Through its Spirit of Giving initiative, the church helps to raise funds for the poor and suffering in Egypt. "There are some communities where there is no running water and often there are 10 people living in one room," said Chandler. "Through the initiative, 100 percent of donations go to projects such as literacy, education, nursery and micro-credit programs."

In Egypt, "Anglicans historically helped to facilitate renewal and gravitated toward community development and social concerns," said Chandler. "The Episcopal Church ended up as a bridge church that serves Muslims and Christians."