The Egyptian-US Dialogue Initiative convened from April 27-May 2, 2025, in New York, NY and Washington, DC, for the seventh encounter since 2016 when the initiative began. The Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS), a leading civil society and development NGO in Egypt, along with US partners, including the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Church of Christ – and ecumenical organizations including the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and Churches for Middle East Peace participated.
The Egyptian-US Dialogue Initiative seeks to build bridges of common interest – cultural, social, logistical, and religious – between the nations of Egypt and the United States. Topics of discussion include issues specific to Egypt and the US, as well as global issues.
The Initiative discussed countering extremism and radical ideologies in 2025. It has
previously addressed confronting terrorism and hate speech, countering disinformation, the promotion of efforts related to coexistence and dialogue, and what it means to face global pandemics such as COVID-19.
In the photo, Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, is seated next to Bishop Vashti McKenzie, President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia-Thompson, General Minister and President, United Church of Christ. Dr. Peter Makari, Global Relations Minister, Middle East and Europe, Global Ministries of the Christian church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, is standing alongside other members of the Egyptian delegation and the US delegation.