Minister Al-Azhari: Egypt Designated as Safe Haven for Believers

A glimpse of the meeting.

Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Egypt’s Minister of Awqaf, emphasized the historical significance of Egypt as a sanctuary for believers, stating that it has been designated by God as a safe haven for His people. This includes prominent figures such as Jesus Christ and His mother Mary, as well as prophets like Ibrahim (Abraham) and Yusuf (Joseph), highlighting a legacy of love, peace, and guidance for all.

His remarks came during a meeting with Dr. Andre Zak, the head of the Evangelical Church in Egypt, accompanied by a church delegation that included Dr. Elijah Brown, Secretary-General of the World Baptist Alliance; Aureal Rhodes, Assistant Secretary-General; Charles Qusta, President of the European Baptist Federation; Dr. Nabi Abassi, President of the Jordanian Baptist Church; Wissam Nasrallah, President of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Lebanon; and Khalaf Barakat, President of the General Evangelical Baptist Assembly in Egypt.

The minister welcomed Dr. Zak and his delegation warmly, expressing his happiness that their visit coincided with significant days commemorating the arrival of Jesus Christ and His mother to Egypt.

Al-Azhari also reflected on Egypt’s longstanding respect for freedom of belief and worship, tracing it from the 1923 Constitution to the current 2014 Constitution that guarantees absolute freedom of worship and belief.

In response, Dr. Zak expressed his continual pleasure in meeting with the Minister and his desire to enhance cooperation with the World Baptist Alliance due to its global presence and influence. He praised Al-Azhari’s leadership and knowledge which have made him a role model in promoting human harmony and conveying Egypt’s true image worldwide. He also acknowledged the wise political leadership under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Dr. Elijah Brown began his remarks by thanking Minister Al-Azhari and commending Egypt’s ongoing efforts in physical and intellectual development for future generations. He expressed joy at visiting during this blessed time which marks Jesus Christ’s arrival in Egypt seeking refuge from fear to a land of safety and hope. He proposed building bridges of cooperation and dialogue with ministries and interested parties to further foster love among Muslims and all people according to Christ’s teachings.

Brown suggested establishing a memorandum for joint conferences and workshops while preparing for significant anniversaries: the 2000th anniversary of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in 2030, followed by the 2000th anniversary of His resurrection in 2033. He noted that Christians from around the world would be eager to come to Egypt to celebrate these important events.

The meeting concluded with expressions from the delegation about their happiness at visiting Egypt and their anticipation for future cooperation. The session ended with Brown presenting a symbolic “Jefferson Cup” to Minister Al-Azhari, named after former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, as a token of appreciation for his enlightened contributions to humanity.