History of Christianity in Africa, Day Six, Album Two
At our gathering at Kibera sponsored by the Damietta Peace Initiative, Professor Cook was at his best delivering the main address commemorating the 25th anniversary of the first World Day of Prayer in 1986 at Assisi. Cook spoke of Francis of Assisi’s objection to the Crusades and his meeting in 1219 with the Sultan with hopes of bringing peace during the siege of Damietta, Egypt.
”That day, Damietta was the center of the world,’’ Cook said. Then 25 years ago religious leaders from all over the world and all faiths met in Assisi for the first World Day of Prayer for Peace. On that day they were one, and on that day assissi was the center of the world.
”Today we meet as brothers and sisters of many faiths, not to ignore our differences, but to put them into proper perspective. This is sacred soil, and today Kibera is the center of the world.
”We welcome you to Kibera,’’ said Edwin Nzomo, vice chairman of the Undugu Family Group, an organization which carries on several programs helping youth in Kibera.
”We are not violent, and we have many gifts,’’ Nzomo said. Undugu is Swahili for brotherhood, sisterhood, or family.
Undugu Family Chairman Edwin Nzomo presented a skit that was among the comedy highlight of the meeting. Here Pat Clegg and Father Godfrey enjoy Edwin's comic timing.
Jose Herrera and Dylan Andrews, with Sheikh Yasin, enjoy a humorous routine group by Nzomo.
Sheikh Yasin and Professor Cook.
Sheik Jamaldin encouraged the grouo to continue its work—”We are all sons and daughters of God’’
