Egypt’s new president, Mohammed Mursi, has been sworn in, marking the start of a new era in Egypt’s political history. Mr Mursi has promised to build a “democratic, civil and modern state” that guarantees freedom of religion, and to appoint a Christian as Vice President.
Bishop Mouneer Anis, bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egypt, commented, “We as a church accept the results of the election. We are committed to praying for Mursi, and we hope that he will fulfil his promises. We will continue to speak out if there is any deviation in our democratic journey.”
Throughout this period of great change, SAT-7 has provided stabilizing counsel to a community wrought with anxiety over recent power struggles. Farid Garas, the Executive Director of the SAT-7 studio in Egypt, has said, “SAT-7 has played the role that it should… presenting hope through faith, encouraging people to trust God, Who is in control.”
SAT-7 prepared viewers for elections by airing a special episode of the current affairs show Bridges, discussing apprehensions about voting and advocating for Christians to vote. As an organisation that does not take any political position, SAT-7 supports viewers by teaching how they can apply Christian principles to everyday life.
George Makeen, Programming Manager for SAT-7 ARABIC, and himself an Egyptian, says, “I believe our main task in the coming few months is to explain the situation to our people, so we keep them encouraged to know that the future does not depend on one step or one person being elected.” This forward-looking philosophy is shaping SAT-7 programming. It emphasizes the need for an attitude of reconciliation between election winners and losers, as well as a readiness for participating in writing a new constitution. Above all else, Mr. Makeen believes Christians should stay involved, saying, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. We cannot afford the luxury of withdrawing because of fear or despair now.”
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