A delegation of senior Muslim and Christian leaders from Egypt will arrive in Ireland later this week as part of a joint initiative to foster greater understanding between the two religious communities.
The Muslim and Christian leaders, who will attend events in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, will be welcomed to the island by the Most Rev. Dr. Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, and the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev. Dr. John Neill.The historic visit, organised by the Church Mission Society Ireland, follows a similar visit paid by CMSI to Egypt led by Dr. Neill, and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Dromore, the Most Rev. John McAreavey in 2004.
Members of the Egyptian delegation include the Episcopal Bishop in Egypt, the Rt. Rev. Dr Mouneer Hanna Anis, His Excellency Shaykh Dr Ali Gomma Mohamed Abdel Wahab, the Grand Mufti of Egypt and Rector of al-Azhar University, Shaykh Fawzy el-Zefzaf, and Dr Ali El Samman, President and Vice-President respectively of al-Azhar Mosque Permanent Committee for Dialogue with Monotheistic Religions.
“I am delighted to welcome this delegation from Egypt to Ireland,” said Dr. Eames. “I know of the great work that is being carried on in the interfaith discussions at al-Azhar in Cairo which is leading to closer understanding between Christians and Muslims.”
The Christian and Muslim leaders will attend receptions hosted by both Archbishops, as well as churches, mosques and community groups as part of their visit from 19 to 24 January.With a growing Islamic presence in Ireland, I welcome this initiative as we seek to create a climate of understanding.
Archbishop Armagh, Dr. Robin Eames
The visitors will also meet with the Irish President, Mary McAleese and pay a visit to Stormont Parliament Buildings.
"It is a privilege to have the leaders in those discussions visit us and we look forward to what they have to share with us,” said Dr. Eames. “With a growing Islamic presence in Ireland, I welcome this initiative as we seek to create a climate of understanding.”
The Muslim and Christian leaders will also attend receptions at the Egyptian Embassy, the Coptic Christian community, and the Muslim communities in Belfast and Dublin.
