ENS reports on Egypt from mission partner, and author of Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road and Songs in Waiting: celebration of middle eastern canticles the Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler:
“If ever I’ve had a role to play, it’s right now,” said the Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler, an Episcopal Church mission partner living in Egypt, after a week of anti-government demonstrations and violence have been the cause of more than 100 deaths.
Chandler was speaking with ENS on Jan. 31 from his home in Maadi, a suburban district of Cairo where he has served since 2003 as rector of an international Episcopal church.
“Although the mood here is very tense, it is calmer than it has been over the last few days, but there is some feeling that it may be the quiet before the storm,” said Chandler, noting that a major protest is expected to draw millions of people on Feb. 1.
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The Rev. David Copley, mission personnel officer for the Episcopal Church, said that Chandler “is providing a vital pastoral role to his church community at this time; his continuing presence is a powerful witness of support to the people and the church in Cairo during these difficult times.”
About 80 percent of Chandler’s parishioners — who are mostly international diplomats, members of non-governmental organizations, academics and business professionals — have already opted to leave, he said.
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Chandler urged people of faith to pray for the Diocese of Egypt and for the nation “that somehow things will be resolved peacefully and provide a foundation on which to build for a good future. And we appreciate prayers for our church here as we at least try to fill this gap at the moment. It’s an honor and privilege for us to minister in this place at this time.”