Paul-Gordon Chandler (right) with the legendary Egyptian actor Omar Sharif (left)
AWR Cairo, May 7, 2013
Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler: “...I am not always so passionate about interfaith dialogue, but I am passionate about interfaith friendships!”
We spoke with Rev. Chandler about the involvement of St. John’s Church in interfaith dialogue throughout the history, his personal motivation for interfaith dialogue/friendship projects, interfaith tensions in Egypt and his book Pilgrims of Christ on a Muslim Road about Mazhar Malouhi, a Muslim pilgrim of Christ.
You can read the full interview with AWR here.
Thursday May 9, the annual Caravan Festival of the Arts will begin. On the opening night at St. John’s Church in Maadi, 80 fiberglass donkeys will be presented. This public art spectacle will display the work of a diverse group of top artists, mainly of Egyptian, but also of Western descent. As the donkey represents both peace and compassion, it is very fitting symbol for this year’s theme, “In Peace and with Compassion, the Way Forward”.
Other highlights include Egyptian actor, Amr Waked, who will give a talk and a screening of his latest film, “Winter of Discontent”. Best-selling author, Dr. Alaa El Aswany, will give a talk and sign his newly released book, The Automobile Club. Renowned composer and oud (lute) player, Georges Kazazian, will also be present. For the full program of this festival, which combines art, film, literature, and music,
please click here.
Driven by an interesting childhood in Senegal, Rev. Chandler strives to build bridges using art. He will leave Egypt this summer after leading St. John’s Church in Maadi for over 10 years. Where he will go, he is not sure yet. Will this then be the end of the Caravan Festival of the Arts he organizes this year for the fifth time? Like the name implies, the festival can move.
Eline Kasanwidjojo
Research Assistant, Arab-West Report
