BLESS, Egypt (newsletter January 2009)
The Bishopric of Public, Ecumenical and Social Services (BLESS) of the Coptic Orthodox Church was established in 1962 in Egypt. As a bishopric established for the specific purpose of social ministry, rather than to serve the general needs of a single diocese, BLESS changed the structures of authority in the church. In particular, BLESS created conditions for the design and implementation of centralised programs to assist the needy. Thus, in addition to the services provided by local priests and bishops, the church developed the capacity for nation-wide interventions to deal with social problems. Currently, BLESS focuses on implementing Comprehensive Integrated Development in 29 poor and marginalized communities. Comprehensive Integrated Development is a way of working with the whole community (both Muslims & Christians) for an abundant life for all.
For more information, see:
- "Religious social services in Lebanon and Egypt", paper prepared for the World Bank by Boris Nikolov Boris (2002)
- "Orthodox diakonia and development witness in a multi-faith context", by His Grace Bishop Youannes (2004)
