Pope Tawadros II Meets with Chinese Minister of Religions, Discusses Religious Ties and Tourism

OCP News Service – 10/06/2024

Cairo – Egypt: His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, received Mr. Chen Ruifeng, the Chinese Minister of Religions, at the Papal Residence in Cairo on June 05,2024. The meeting included representatives from the Bible Society of Egypt. Discussions centered on the Coptic Orthodox Church, its history, global presence, and its relationship with China. Pope Tawadros highlighted the Church’s reach, mentioning Coptic communities in the Philippines, Indonesia, and even China itself.

The meeting emphasized the long history of Egyptians living together peacefully along the Nile River. Pope Tawadros affirmed positive relations with President Sisi, the government, parliament, Al-Azhar, and other Christian denominations in Egypt.

Minister Chen Ruifeng conveyed the Chinese government’s support for religious freedom and the practice of diverse faiths within China. He expressed a desire to strengthen ties between China and the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Religious tourism also featured prominently. The discussion highlighted the potential for promoting travel by Chinese Christians to Egypt, particularly routes significant to the Holy Family’s journey.

Pope Tawadros commended China’s decision to allow the printing of Bibles in Arabic, catering to the country’s Arabic-speaking Christian population.

This meeting signifies a step forward in fostering interfaith dialogue and potentially boosting religious tourism between China and Egypt.

Source: copticorthodox.church