Coptic Bishops: "Egypt Needs More than Money"
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| Coptic Orphans executive director Nermien Riad with Bishop Piscenty of Helwan and 15 May City, Egypt |
On May 15,
2009, Coptic Orphans hosted
the 6th Coptic Charities Conference in Washington, DC for Coptic NGO’s
based outside Egypt. Both Coptic bishops present emphasized the need
for Coptic organizations to cooperate and align their efforts so that
the poor of Egypt will receive more than mere cashflow, but
real improvements that will help them become self-sufficient. The bishops
joined representatives of four other sectors for the first time to
talk about the potential of the Coptic diaspora to impact Egypt:
- Representatives
of Coptic NGO’s Coptic Orphans, the Littlest Lamb, Egyptian
Relief Association, and Coptic Care.
- Coptic
Orthodox Bishops from Egypt
- Representatives
of USAID, a development agency of the US Government
- Members
of the academic community in Washington, DC who study the impact
of immigrant groups on international development.
- A representative
of the Armenian diaspora shared their experience moving the most
powerful nations of the world for their cause
All
contributed unique perspectives about just how big the potential is
for Copts abroad to make a positive difference in Egypt, and how to
harness that potential by working together.
Some
highlights of the conference:
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“All projects begin small, and grow little by little. It is important to align the projects with the demand, so that the services go where they are most needed.” –H.G. Bishop Picenty, Diocese of Helwan and 15th of May City |
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| "What will you tell your children and grandchildren when they visit Egypt and want to help?" - Dr. Jennifer Brinkerhoff, Professor and Co-Director of the George Washington University Diaspora program |
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| “The core of our faith is that we are tied together through the Eucharist. We are one body… [so] wherever I am, I am united to my brothers and sisters in Egypt.” - Fr. Paul of St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, Washington DC |
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| "There is greater and greater demand on the services provided by the Church in Egypt, and the Diaspora has stepped in to create organizations that provide these services so not everything has to be through the Church. That is really appreciated.” –H.G. Bishop Tadros, Diocese of Port Said |
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| Taniel S. Koushakjian, Director of Grassroots at the Armenian Assembly of America, talks with Their Graces Anba Tadros and Biscenti during a break. Taniel talked about how the Armenian diaspora was able to organize to mobilize the action of powerful nations and delevop their homeland. |
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“You are the Church as much as I am the Church. Don’t think that you aren’t as much a part of the Body Just because I am wearing black… We need people to step up and say 'I am the Church,' and do something." - Fr. Paul of St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, Washington DC |
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