Egypt and baptism

This
week's sermon is a reflection on the recent events in Egypt. I am
struck by the witness to peace and interfaith respect that exists in the
midst of great violence. I am convicted of my own cowardice and
comparative faithlessness. And I am thrilled to see our Muslim neighbors
standing as Christ in the world. The children of Abraham, Tamar, and
Ishmael are a bold witness to God's Kingdom of Peace. You can read two
articles (1, 2) about Christmas Mass.

The quotation is from St. Anthony of the Desert. You know, Anthony
the Great or "Big Tony" as the guys from Thebes called him. Christianity
in Egypt has it's roots in the first century. Tradition holds that the
first bishop of Alexandria was appointed by the Apostle Mark himself.
Christianity is not new to Egypt. It is not a colonial imposition.

First Century: The Apostle Mark has oversight of the Egyptian Christian community.