Steps and stops on an inter faith pilgrimage
Steps and stops on an inter faith learning pilgrimage to Egypt
1-8 November 2026
Inter faith farewells
Inter Faith Farewells were exchanged in Cairo and at Dublin Airport, with a degree of sadness, on 8 November 2026, at the end of an immeasurably valuable and formative eight day Inter Faith Learning Pilgrimage.
The thoroughly engaging programme was organised by the Church of Ireland's Inter Faith Working Group (IFWG) in collaboration with the Church Missionary Society Ireland (CMS Ireland). The purpose of the pilgrimage was to enable the deepening of understanding between people of different faiths, through listening and engaging with one another and through a rich and diverse learning programme in the setting of Cairo, supported practically, logistically and prayerfully by the Episcopal Diocese of Egypt. This was all with a view to integrating the learning for our own community contexts and projects, as well as towards personal growth. The programme did not disappoint!
Who were the pilgrims/ members of the group? Team 'bios'
The Revd Suzanne COUSINS, Rector of the Aughaval Parishes, Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe, is Interfaith Advisor to the Archbishop of Armagh and a member of the Church of Ireland’s Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue with particular interest in Interfaith matters. She is author of 'Generous Love in Multi-faith Ireland' (2017) which was written to help the Church of Ireland in the area of Christian-Muslim relations and dialogue.
Mr Adrian CRISTEA (centre), Executive Officer for the Dublin City Interfaith Forum, has a background in sociology; he played a key role in establishing the first official Interfaith Forum in Ireland and led the process for developing the ‘Dublin City Interfaith Charter’. He combines practical interfaith experience with academic knowledge about interfaith learning with practical initiatives to build bridges across religious or cultural differences.
Mrs Nagla EL-AMIN is an architect and photographer and is a volunteer with All Nations Ministries in Belfast.
Originally from Uganda, Mr David MAGANDA is a volunteer Director with All Nations Ministries, serving and supporting newcomers arriving in Belfast.
Mrs Ade OLUBORODE BL is a barrister-at-law, a member of both the Bar of Ireland and the Bar of Northern Ireland, and an accredited mediator. She serves as a member of the Representative Body of the Church of Ireland and has a longstanding interest in public service, governance, and interfaith engagement.
Mr Seán RADCLIFFE is a student at Trinity College Dublin reading Economics. He is also a bass singer of the Trinity College Chapel Choir, presenting at Thursday Evensong and Sunday Eucharist each week of term.
Mr David REYNOLDS (right) is retired from a career in local and global IT (including responsibilities in Middle East and Africa), which was followed by a time as CEO of a Methodist charity. He is Chair of Trustees of Church Mission Society Ireland, a member of the Church of Ireland Interfaith Working Group and a Diocesan Lay Minister.
The Very Revd Abigail SINES is rector of the Trim and Athboy Group of Parishes and Dean of Clonmacnoise in the Diocese of Meath and Kildare. She is convenor of the Church of Ireland Interfaith Working Group, and is also a trustee of Places of Sanctuary Ireland and the Church Mission Society Ireland.
The Revd Faith SITHOLE (foreground) is currently serving as ordained local priest in Co. Cavan. She is a trustee of Bishop’s Appeal and the Church Mission Society Ireland, and is also a member of the Mother’s Union and the Archbishop of Armagh’s Ethnic Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Justice Working Group.
Who funded the trip?
Each member of the group was responsible for their own funding. We were grateful to CMS Ireland who ensured that costs were kept as low and affordable as possible and to the Episcopal Diocese of Egypt for its generous hospitality and help in providing comfortable accommodation, safe and reliable transport, and for sourcing knowledgable tour guides.
What did the programme consist of?
The pilgrimage programme included the events listed below in approximate order. Some links are included for further reading and photos for your interest.
A daily Team Time was an important part of each evening, in creating a space in which members could reflect on the day past, decompress, process experiences and share insights, all with a view to integrating the learning for our own community contexts and projects, as well as towards personal growth.
- Attending worship at All Saints Cathedral, Cairo (https://www.facebook.com/allsaintscairo/)
- Educational tours of the Grand Museum and Pyramids, Giza (https://gem.eg/)
- A visit to the vast and frenetic Khan a Khalili market
- Dinner at the home of Archbishop Samy Fawzy, of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria
- Two days of the 'Learning Journey' programme offered by the Centre for Christian-Muslim Understanding and Peace (CCMUP; see https://ccmup.org/en/home-page/)
- A visit to St Raphael School/ Sudanese Learning Centre (See https://dioceseofegypt.org/ministries/episcocare/education/st-raphael/.)
- An introduction to the work of Al-Azhar in combatting online extremism, with a visit to the Al-Azhar Observatory, led by Director Dr Reham Salama
- A memorable round-table meeting of our delegation from Ireland with Grand Mufti Nazir Ayad, led by and His Excellency Mr Aidan O'Hara, Ambassador of Ireland to Egypt, and accompanied by Archbishop Emeritus Dr Mouneer Anis
- Warm hospitality, a drinks reception, at the Irish Ambassador’s Residence
- An inspiring visit to the Coptic Monastery of Saint Macarius, 4th century monk and Desert Father, and the Church of the 49 Martyrs
- A day of cultural sightseeing in Alexandria, including to the famous Alexandria Library
- Attendance at Friday Prayers in Zamalek for Muslim members of our party, and for the Christians attendance at the Eucharist, again in All Saints' Cathedral
- A tour of Old Cairo, a number of Coptic churches, and Ben-Ezra Synagogue
- A visit to the Monastery of St Simon and the Cave Church complex (with zip line!), Mukkatam (see, e.g., https://www.egypttoursportal.com/en-ie/blog/egypt-attractions/cairo-attractions/cave-church/ )
- A Friday evening walk by the Nile
- An introduction to the diocesan compassion project and faithful work of Refuge Egypt
- Visit to Manara School Cairo and the Beacon Centre for Special Needs (https://dioceseofegypt.org/ministries/episcocare/education/the-beacon-center/)
- Visit to Harpur Memorial Hospital, Menouf (https://dioceseofegypt.org/ministries/medical-sector/harpur-hospital-menouf/.)
How did you all get along?
Relationships were good, kind, respectful and joyful! The group gelled easily into a team, of considerate people who looked out for and supported one another and enjoyed each other's company. Indeed, one of the members, on the final evening during Team Time described the group as a new 'family.' We were sorry to have to go our separate ways, but all good pilgrimages do come to an end!
Sudanese refugee, student
"A battle can turn your life upside down in a moment. Your loved ones may be there one moment, but nothing in life is guaranteed, not even for a single minute. Everything can change. In a matter of seconds, there is no need for arguments, conflicts or unnecessary struggles over passing moments. You should appreciate the fact that you are healthy, well and blessed with the presence of your loved ones. Your loved ones are around you, and you are free from tension, stress and anxiety."
The learning has been intellectual and theological, yet more than academic. All members articulated, prior to our farewells, that the impact and learning experienced has been holistic, affecting 'head', 'heart' and 'hands' – mind, emotions and compassion, and intended practical application. Christians in the group expressed that they were returning home with at least a slightly better understanding of Islam, its teaching, ethics and outworking in the lives of Muslim people and communities. Similarly, Muslims on the team express that they understand some aspects of Christian thinking, religious practices and spirituality a little better.
Where the 'heart' is concerned, among the group members there would seem to have been a growth in understanding and compassion towards people of other faiths and cultures generally, and most especially towards people (of any religion) who are suffering and in need, for example and in particular as a result of displacement due to the Sudanese war. And where the 'hands' are concerned – that is, our actions and activities determined by our priorities – each member will reflect upon this personally and seek to apply their learning to their unique circumstances communities, churches, work and relationships.
Time to go home: A last photo at Dublin Airport
The group plans to reunite in the New Year (30 January) with a visit to see firsthand the work of All Nations Ministries in Belfast, thanks to Director David Maganda, and a number of the group plan to give presentations in our home parishes or equivalent work settings over the forthcoming weeks and months. One way or another, the anticipation is of a positive ripple effect as a result of this wonderful Inter Faith Learning Pilgrimage, of fresh and reenergised initiatives, influence and growth in confidence regarding our ‘IF’ endeavours.
Revd Suzanne Cousins, Rector
Tel. +353 83 800 3233 / +44 77 1303 7447
Email aughaval@tuam.anglican.org
Aughaval Parishes' website aughaval.tlk.ie
