May. 18th, 2002

Your Grace, George Cary, Archbishop of Canterbury
Your Eminences Reverend Religious Leaders, Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to start by thanking Dr. Carey for giving me this opportunity to address a noble institution. One which has both deep seated roots in history and a vision for the future. The values it represents are what the world needs in order to achieve a peaceful coexistence.

In all parts of the world, conflicts and wars are taking place. New theories are advocating an unavoidable clash between civilisations, cultures and religions, specifically between Islam and the West, while in fact civilisations, being built on civility cannot clash and all religions embrace noble values among which is peace. Yet, peace is a reward, we have to earn it. We have to provide its prerequisites, the most important of which are Justice, equality and tolerance. Today more than ever, we need to know more about each others' cultures we need to know more about the religions of others and just as important we need to know our own religions better. All religions call for mutual acceptance and peace. "Peace be on you" is the greeting of Islam. Peace be with you is the prayer of Christianity. Ladies and Gentlemen, The dialogue we need is not only one of words, but also of deeds. Indeed, only by deeds can we express our faith. Egypt, the land of civilisations and religions, has always been conscious of the need for that dialogue and has been promoting it through the ages.

The Anglican Church in Egypt, and throughout the world, has been active and isntrumental in developing understanding among peoples. It is doing so through dialogues, through teachings in the Church and trough the many institutions rendering several social, cultural and humanitarian services. Dr. Carey, It is heart-warming to find, in the midst of the turmoil of today's life, institutions, like yours, are working for human causes without discrimination and bringing people closer to live on the commmon grounds of global ethics, those noble teachings advocated by all religions.

Thus, it gives me great pleasure to receive from the Episcopal Church the distinguished award of Saint Augustine. I consider it a symbol of understanding between our two countries and between two great religions. I also would like to consider it an award to all those who are daily proving that there is always hope when we believe in our goals, and we are reconvinced that there is some good in everyone.

I would like to conclude by thanking Dr. Carey, the Anglican community and to thank you ladies and gentlemen for sharing with me this significant occasion.
Thank You