Egyptian-US Dialogue Initiative
Shared from Disciples News Service
The Egyptian-US Dialogue Initiative is a collaborative effort of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS) through its Forum for Intercultural Dialogue and US churches and ecumenical partners, including the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ with Global Ministries. Launched in 2014, the Initiative recently met in New York City and Washington, DC from April 27-May 1. The Rev. Terri Hord Owens participated in the New York sessions, including offering opening remarks on the current socio-political realities in the US along with a member of the Egyptian delegation, Mr. Tarek Radwan, who spoke on the same topic, focusing on Egypt. The Egyptian delegation was headed by Rev. Dr. Andrea Zaki, President of the Protestant Churches in Egypt and CEOSS, a long-time partner of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ through Global Ministries.
The meeting was the seventh encounter since 2016, when the initiative began. CEOS, Disciples, and the UCC were joined by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and ecumenical organizations, including the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and Churches for Middle East Peace.
The Egyptian-US Dialogue Initiative seeks to build bridges of common interest – cultural, social, logistical, and religious – between the nations of Egypt and the United States. Topics of discussion include issues specific to Egypt and the US, as well as global issues. The Initiative discussed countering extremism and radical ideologies in 2025. It has previously addressed confronting terrorism and hate speech, countering disinformation, the promotion of efforts related to coexistence and dialogue, and what it means to face global pandemics such as COVID-19.
