Frank Bernardi in Ireland
The Rev Frank Bernardi chaplain of St George’s Tunis is spending two weeks in Ireland discipling the local church. On Thursday 12th February he spoke at an event organised by the Church of Ireland’s Council for Missions of which ICS was involved in.
Frank Bernardi shared his journey from being an Anglican priest to ministering in Tunisia, focusing on evangelizing Muslims. He recounted his initial refusal to lead an expatriate church, eventually accepting the role to pastor both Tunisian and expatriate congregations. Bernardi highlighted the unique nature of Tunisian Christianity, where all believers are from Muslim backgrounds. He emphasised the biblical theme of blessing others, as seen in Abraham's covenant, and how Jesus' ministry reached beyond Jews to include Gentiles. Bernardi concluded by encouraging the audience to recognise and embrace God's inclusive plan for all ethno-linguistic people groups.
Tunisia has unique religious freedom, allowing individuals to choose and change their religion, a rarity in the Arab world. Despite this, Christians face social persecution, including being disowned by families, losing jobs, and experiencing violence. The government supports St. George's Church, appreciating its sensitivity and community service. The church actively engages in outreach, such as teaching English, feeding the hungry, and providing for migrants, without overt evangelism to respect cultural sensitivities. He also discusses the importance of demonstrating uncompromising love and seeking the prosperity of the community, aligning with the ethos of their ministry.
Frank then touched on the history and evolution of the Anglican Church in North Africa, particularly in Tunisia. The visionary Bishop Mouneer Anis of Egypt advocated for indigenous leadership, leading to the formation of the Province of Alexandria and the Diocese of North Africa. The discussion also covers the establishment of a Theological Seminary in Arabic, with 20 students from Tunisia and Algeria. which would have been unheard of twenty years ago. Frank recounted the historical significance of Carthage a emphasising the return of a vibrant, indigenous Christian community in Tunisia, marked by increased baptisms and local leadership.
He noted the influx of migrants and refugees in Tunisia since 2016, particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa, and the challenges they face, including social issues and arrests. Bernardi highlighted the growth of Christian missionary agencies and the establishment of new Anglican churches in Tunisia. He attributed conversions to miracles, dreams, and visions, and stressed the importance of respecting cultural practices and avoiding dueling religions. He also emphasized the need for new Christians to worship in their own languages and to stay engaged in their communities.
Left to Right: Alan Cousins (SAT7UK), Rev Frank Bernardi (Chaplain of St George’s, Tunis), Rt Rev David McClay (Bishop of Down and Dromore), Rt Rev George Davison (Bishop of Connor), and Rev Tim Wright (Intercontinental Church Society)