First conference of Family house kicks off in Cairo

CAIRO - 9 January 2018: Secretary General of the Egyptian Family House Mahmoud Hamdi Zaqzouq and Bishop Ermia, General Bishop and President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, and Minister of Immigration and Expatriate Affairs Nabila Makram on Tuesday inaugurated the first conference of the Egyptian Family House.

The conference, titled "Together Against Terrorism", is held under the auspices of Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb and Pope Tawadros II of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church.

Addressing the conference, Zaqzouq called for making an accurate definition to terrorism in order not to allow terrorists to manipulate it according to their agendas.

He asserted that terrorism is an international phenomonon that has no nationality or religion, noting that all Muslims suffer from the consequences of terrorism.

He reiterated that the conference focuses on activating the role of religious scholars in challenging terrorism as well as upgrading education to protect the coming generations from the mistaken ideas of extremism. He also criticized the policies which do not differentiate between the concepts of Jihad (to defend the rights) and terrorism which is totally rejected by Islam.

Zaqzouq also lauded President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for fulfilling his promises of building the biggest church and mosque in the new administrative capital and his presence at the Christmas celebrations in a signal that Egypt is supporting peace and cooperation among its fellow citizens in standing against terrorism as well as pushing forward development efforts.

Zaqzouq, secretary general of the Family House, underlined the importance of dialogue among civilizations and cultures in standing against terrorism, praising the model of coexistence among the Egyptians and the role played by the Egyptian Family House supported by the Grand Imam of Azar and Pope Tawadros II.

Meanwhile, Minister of Immigration and Expatriate Affairs Nabila Makram saluted the martyrs of Egypt civilians, police and army, highlighting the cohesion among Egyptians since the dawn of history.

She also called for setting up a swift action unit including a galaxy of wise men in order to stand against any changes and support the state's efforts in confronting terrorism and push forward development efforts.

The minister also praised the backing of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to all officials who are working with high spirits as one team for the best interests of Egypt and Egyptians.

Former Egyptian Mufti Ali Gomaa, for his part, called for working out a comprehensive plan against terrorism at the intellectual, religious, cultural as well as security levels. He also praised the unity of Egyptians all over their history, noting that such unity has been a defense shield against the terrorists' attempts to damage the country and spread wrong concepts about Islam and its teachings.

For his part, Bishop Armia, the President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, shed light on the unity of the Egyptian people in confronting terrorism which knows no religion or homeland, praising the Family House experience.

Speaking at the conference, which discuses three axes on terrorism and means to confront it, are Muslim and Christian clerics and university professors.

The opening ceremony was attended by president of Al Azhar University Mohamed Mahrasawi, as well as the governors of Cairo and Giza and representatives of family house in governorates.