WCC congratulates new president of the Evangelical community in Egypt

The acting general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Georges Lemopoulos has congratulated Rev. Dr Andrea Zaki Stephanous on becoming the new president of the Evangelical community in Egypt.

“The World Council of Churches is grateful for the ecumenical witness of your church and its place in the global fellowship,” said Lemopoulos in a letter addressed to Zaki, issued on 23 February.

“You have served faithfully as the General Director of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, and from this work you bring great insight and gifts to your new role,” he added.

In reference to recent killings of Coptic Christians at the hands of militants in Egypt, Lemopoulos said, “You assume your office at a time of great tension and fear, and both your vision for justice and peace and your pastoral oversight are greatly needed. This is a time when ecumenical collaboration, solidarity and advocacy can be an important instrument of a church’s ministry and presence.”

Lemopoulos expressed gratitude on behalf of the WCC for the “ecumenical witness” of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Egypt. “We support the faithful of your church in prayer, as we also support you in your new position of leadership,” he added.

Dr. Peter Makari, Global Ministries’ Executive for the Middle East and Europe, also expressed congratulations to Rev. Zaki on the occasion of his election to this leadership role.

Click here to read the WCC’s acting general secretary’s letter to the Rev. Dr. Andrea Zaki.