Cairo, Egypt | September 2–4, 2024
In a significant step toward enhancing interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding, the Centre of Christian-Muslim Understanding and Partnership (CCMUP) organized the third edition of its unique “Learning Journey” program from September 2 to 4, 2024. The program was held in collaboration with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt, the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the Coptic Catholic Church.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including religious leaders, academics, students, and theologians from a wide range of institutions, such as Al-Azhar University, the Coptic Orthodox Theological Seminary, the Coptic Catholic Seminary of Saint Leo the Great, and the Episcopal Theological Seminary. Staff and trainees from CCMUP also took part. The program was held with the special support of His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb.
The program aimed to create a safe and open space for deep theological and doctrinal dialogue, making it a unique and unprecedented initiative in modern Egyptian history. Unlike general interfaith conferences, the “Learning Journey” focused on promoting genuine mutual learning, friendship-building, and a deeper appreciation for diversity and peaceful coexistence.
Day One – Monday, September 2, 2024
9:30 AM: Participants arrival and light refreshments
10:00 – 10:30 AM: Opening session and introduction to the “Learning Journey” program
Speakers:
Archbishop Dr. Mouneer Anis (Archbishop-Emeritus of the Anglican Province of Alexandria and Director of CCMUP)
Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdullah (Head of the Department of Islamic Studies in Foreign Languages, Al-Azhar University)
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Seminar 1 – The Concept of Fighting in the Qur’an
Speaker: Dr. Mohamed Abdel Malek (Vice President, Al-Azhar University, Assiut)
12:00 – 1:30 PM: Seminar 2 – The Concept of Fighting in the Bible
Speaker: Rev. Mark Takki (Academic Coordinator, Episcopal Theological Seminary)
1:30 – 2:15 PM: Lunch Break
2:15 – 3:30 PM: Seminar 3 – Paradise and Hell in Islam
Speaker: Dr. Reda Mahmoud El-Saeed (Assistant Professor of Islamic Culture and Preaching, Al-Azhar University)
3:30 – 5:00 PM: Seminar 4 – Paradise and Hell in Christianity
Speaker: Fr. Bishoy Helmy (Lecturer, Orthodox Theological Seminary)
Day Two – Tuesday, September 3, 2024
9:30 AM: Participants arrival
10:00 – 11:30 AM: Seminar 1 – The Status of Women in Islam
Speaker: Dr. Iman Ayad (Lecturer, Faculty of Humanities – German Department, Al-Azhar University)
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Seminar 3 – The Status of Women in Christianity
Speaker: Dr. Aida Nassif (Professor, Cairo University; Member of the Egyptian Senate)
1:00 – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
2:00 – 3:30 PM: Seminar 3 – Challenges of Muslim Integration in Non-Muslim Societies (Europe as a Model)
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdullah (Head of Islamic Studies, Al-Azhar University)
3:30 – 5:00 PM: Seminar 4 – Challenges of Christian Integration in Muslim Societies (Middle Eastern Context)
Speaker: Archbishop Dr. Mouneer Anis (Archbishop-Emeritus of the Anglican Province of Alexandria and Director of CCMUP)
Day Three – Wednesday, September 4, 2024
9:30 AM: Participants arrival
10:00 – 11:15 AM: Scriptural Reasoning Session – The Story of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim)
Facilitators:
Rev. Samir Dawood (Director of Community Initiatives, CCMUP)
Rev. Dr. Matthew Anderson (Director of Academic Studies, CCMUP)
Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdullah (Al-Azhar University)
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Open Dialogue and Q&A Session
Moderator: Mr. Kareem Gerges (Director of International Partnerships and Communications, CCMUP)
12:45 – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
2:00 – 3:15 PM: Scriptural Reasoning Session – The Story of Prophet Joseph (Yusuf)
Facilitators:
Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdullah (Al-Azhar University)
Rev. Samir Dawood (CCMUP)
Conference Outcomes and Key Themes
The conference concluded with a strong consensus among participants on the importance of continuing such initiatives that build trust and friendships, deepen mutual understanding, and promote a culture of dialogue and peaceful coexistence across different faiths backgrounds.
Key topics addressed during the Learning Journey included:
- The role of women in Islam and Christianity
- Religious perspectives on violence and warfare in sacred texts
- Social integration challenges in the Middle East and Europe
- The presence of religion in European societies
- Comparative interpretations of the stories of Prophets Abraham and Joseph in the Qur’an and the Bible
