wfn.org | PC(USA) Egypt partner urges caution by U.S. government religious

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #6557 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

freedom panel
7-June-2001
01203

PC(USA) Egypt partner urges caution by U.S. government religious freedom
panel

GAC says interfaith relations are jeopardized by "a zealous approach"

by Alexa Smith

LOUISVILLE - The General Assembly Council agreed June 7 to forward an appeal
from the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s partner church in  Egypt informing the
U.S. government that interference in religious affairs in Egypt can cause
setbacks in interfaith relations there.

	A letter from the Rev. Baqi Sadaqa Girgis, moderator of the Synod of the
Nile, the Evangelical Church of Egypt, was faxed to the PC(USA)'s top
ecclesiastical officer, the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, on the eve of the
General Assembly.  It describes the matter as an "urgent concern," not just
for the Evangelical Church of Egypt, but for other Christian churches and
Muslims as well.

	Girgis cited the work of the United States Commission on Religious Freedom
- a federal panel - as a particular problem.  His letter asks the General
Assembly to "consider issuing a communique that might raise with your
government the possible damage these inquiries can bring to the strong
witness of the Christian Community in Egypt."

	Girgis said the Egyptian Christians and Muslims have been resolving such
issues with dialogue for three decades and that involvement by the U.S.
government could cause setbacks.

	How to advocate for religious freedom in other contexts is a matter that is
currently under study - authorized by the General Assembly in 1999.  In
fact, hearings on this question will be held by the Human Rights and
Religious Freedom Initiative Team from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 13,
at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, by a committee that is developing guidelines for
Presbyterians so that the churches' advocacy does not cause more harm.

The Rev. Marian McClure, director of the Worldwide Ministries Division, told
the Presbyterian News Service that questions of religious tolerance need to
be handled delicately, despite the best of intentions.  "How rarely people
pause to think from the perspective of the Christian community in a minority
situation and then stop and say, "What would really help them?'

	"That's a major mental exercise for us."

	The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, cited by Girgis,
was formed in 1999.  It issued its annual report May 1, containing chapters
on Egypt and Saudi Arabia.  It recommends that the U.S. government closely
monitor discrimination in Egypt against a number of religious groups,
particularly Christians and Baha'is, and to raise those questions
prominently in bilateral relations with Egypt.

	It also urged U.S. policy-makers to urge the Egyptian government "to
accelerate progress on addressing these issues and promoting religious
freedom for all Egyptians."

	It recommended that Saudi Arabia be designated as a "country of particular
concern" and pushed for more stringent pressure there.

	But, the U.S. State Department's website says the commission delayed formal
recommendations on religious tolerance in Israel and in the Occupied
Territories, saying that additional work is necessary.  That decision drew a
formal protest from a Muslim member of the commission.

The General Assembly Council's letter to the General Assembly asks that the
PC(USA) engage the commission and express concern about actions that may
cause "unwitting" harm for partners abroad.

It reads:  "The investigations of the Commission may be viewed by many as
interference in internal relations - precious relations built through long,
patient and careful labor by Muslims and Christians of good will. We are
impelled to ask our government questions that are raised by our partners,
such as : By what criteria are certain countries selected for inquiry by the
commission, while others are exempt?  Do those criteria include political,
military or economic considerations based on U.S. foreign policy?  How does
the commission avoid the appearance of presuming to defend Christians
'against Muslims and Islam?'"

	Worldwide Ministries Division liaison to the Middle East, the Rev. Victor
Makari, said that the intent is to "enter into dialogue" with the U.S.
commission, not alienate or antagonize.

	The GAC's statement goes on to caution against a "zealous approach" that
may "jeopardize the potential for better internal relations and even greater
freedom.  To the end that all may be free to answer their religious call
faithfully and without fear, we offer our support for our partners, and our
commitment to hold before our leaders the standards of respect and restraint
embodied in the ancient axiom to 'do no harm.'"

Getting commissioners' opinions on how to 'do no harm' will be the focus of
the hearing set for June 13.

The Human Rights and Religious Freedom Abroad Initiative Team is currently
gleaning principles from prior General Assembly statements, and according to
Worldwide Ministries Associate Director, the Rev. Will Browne, a document
will be ready for next year's Assembly.

It will be available for review this fall, he said.

	Referring to the letter from the Egyptian church, Browne said that it is
precisely this kind of request from partners that prompted compiling
guidelines for PC(USA).

	From the perspective of the Egyptian church, Makari said, "They feel
they've achieved a great deal through dialogue and cooperation with
government authorities and with Muslim community leaders to resolve some of
the tensions."

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