WCC NEWS: A Coptic voice: Mena Shawky's wisdom on prayer, unity, and overcoming challenges

In a world rife with challenges, Mena Shawky, a Coptic Orthodox from Egypt, shares reflections on faith, unity, and the transformative power of prayer. Currently working in an international organization to aid refugees, Shawky's journey and perspectives offer a beacon of hope and wisdom. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 06 February 2024 Shawky's background as a Coptic Orthodox and former intern at the World Council of Churches shapes his dedication to supporting refugees and his passion for ecumenism. He views his work as a tangible expression of love and solidarity with those in need, embodying the principles of his faith. Reflecting on the significance of prayer, Shawky emphasized its role in deepening one's relationship with God and fostering gratitude, forgiveness, and guidance. He sees prayer as a communal act that connects individuals with their community and expresses love for God while nurturing personal and collective faith."Prayer is a way to communicate with God and to deepen our relationship with Him. It is a way to express our gratitude, ask for forgiveness, and seek guidance,” said Shawky. In the context of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity's theme, "You shall love the Lord your God ... and your neighbors as yourself (Luke 10:27)," Shawky underscores its vital importance in today's divided world. He sees it as a powerful remedy for the conflicts and divisions plaguing society, urging Christians to focus on commonalities rather than differences. "Loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves is a way to promote peace, harmony, and understanding among people of different backgrounds and beliefs,” said Shawky. Shawky defined true Christian unity as transcending differences in race, culture, age, gender, and background to come together as one body in Christ. He emphasized the essence of loving God and neighbors, working collectively to fulfill Jesus' command."True Christian unity means coming together as one body in Christ, despite our differences in race, culture, age, gender, and background,” he said. In addressing conflicts and challenges faced by churches worldwide, Shawky advocated for a commitment to dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. He calls for collective efforts to combat climate change, respect humanitarian law in conflicts, and work towards peace. Unity, understanding, and compassion are seen as key elements in overcoming global challenges. "Promoting peace requires a commitment to dialogue, understanding, and cooperation... churches and all Christians need to work together in their communities to address this issue,” said Shawky. Shawky concluded with a message of hope for Christians worldwide. Quoting Romans 15:13, he encouraged believers to trust in God during troubling times, emphasizing that even in darkness, God is a source of joy, peace, and hope. He urges the Christian community to support one another, remembering that together, they can overcome challenges and emerge stronger. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13). See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland