Intervention of Mons. François EID, Bishop of Cairo of the Maronites (EGYPT)
Confessionalism in the Islamic societies where many Christians live and bear witness
in the Middle East deeply affects their spirit and their behavior. From this stems
confinement, withdrawal from others and hostility. These Christians are not “indigenous
citizens”. To the contrary, they belong fundamentally and organically to the social
fabric and national identity of their respective countries. This is why they are called
upon to live their faith and to bear witness to it with authenticity, joy and without
restraint. Inspired by the Word of God who invites all Christians to make theirs
the concern of the Lord for the poor and the needy, the members of the Catholic Church
in Egypt are deeply engaged in educational services (169 colleges) as well as in health
and social services. Their action is a concrete manifestation of God’s solicitude
and Christ’s love towards all the little brothers of the Lord. We have a very revealing
example of the contribution of a small group of Lebanese Christians, emigrated to
Egypt during the second half of the 19th century. This small dynamic and motivated
group managed, in less than 100 years, to found 249 newspapers and periodicals in
Arabic, French or English. They are the ones that founded almost all the most prestigious
publishing companies still existing in Egypt. And what can be said about the many
enlightened, pioneering writers, that gave Egypt playwrights, directors, actors, musicians,
and singers! I would also like to mention all the builders of churches, schools and
hospitals, the founders of charitable organizations and socio-cultural, sports and
religious organizations, without forgetting the brilliant businessmen who started
the Egyptian Stock Exchange and founded the Opera House! Unfortunately, the climate
of openness and tolerance which was favorable to the blossoming of their talents and
to the launching of great projects was abolished by the 1952 revolution, this is what
brought a fatal strike to their socio-cultural contribution. Today’s Synod should
not delude itself that it can find a magical solution to the problems of the Middle
Eastern Churches. However, it offers us the occasion to proceed with a personal and
community examination of our consciences that would allow us to foresee a path of
action.