June 23–25, 2025 | Cairo, Egypt
In a remarkable display of interreligious cooperation, the Center of Christian-Muslim Understanding and Partnership (CCMUP), in collaboration with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Center for Arab-West Understanding, held the fourth round of its pioneering program “A Journey of Learning” from June 23 to 25, 2025, held at CCMUP in Cairo. The event brought together distinguished Muslim and Christian scholars, students, and clergy from major theological institutions across Egypt for a series of candid and in-depth discussions on matters of faith, doctrine, and contemporary social challenges.
Guided by the vision of mutual understanding and respect, the program featured theological presentations and discussions led by senior scholars from Al-Azhar University, the Coptic Orthodox Theological Seminary, the Alexandria School of Theology (Anglican/Episcopal), and the Sakakini Theological Institute (Coptic Catholic). Anglican Archbishop-Emeritus & CCMUP Director Dr. Mouneer Anis, Rev. Dr. Matthew Anderson (CCMUP Director of Academic Studies) and Al-Azhar University Professor Dr. Ismāʿīl ʿAbdallāh played key roles in assembling a dynamic group of lecturers and participants committed to deepening interfaith learning and dialogue.
What sets this program apart, organizers emphasized, is its unique and unprecedented focus in modern Egypt on explicitly theological and doctrinal issues, moving beyond general interreligious dialogue to foster deeper understanding of each tradition’s sacred texts, beliefs, and historical experiences.
Over the course of the three days, participants engaged in seminars with a wide range of thought-provoking topics, including:
- The concept of abrogation (naskh) in the Qurʾān, led by Prof. Mohamed Abdel Malek, Vice President of Al-Azhar University (Upper Egypt branch)
- The relationship between the Old and New Testaments in Christianity by Mr. Matta Nasry
- The impact of Sahih al-Bukhari on the preservation of the Prophetic tradition, presented by Dr. Mustafa Abdel Karim, Secretary General of the Egyptian Dar al-Iftaa
- The origins and significance of the Nicene Creed in Christian theology, led by Rev. Arjun Ruis
- Christian and Muslim values in the digital age: social media usage and its moral implications
- Reflections from a Christian perspective led by: Dr. Emad Thomas
- Reflections from a Muslim perspective led by: Prof. Dr. Reda Mahmoud El-Sayed – Professor of Islamic Preaching and Culture at Al-Azhar University
- Enlightenment thought: its legacy and critiques in both Islamic and Christian contexts
- Reflections from a Christian perspective led by: Mr. Andrew Ashraf
- Reflections from a Muslim perspective led by: Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdallah Ismail, Head of the Department of Islamic Studies in the German Language at Al-Azhar University
- Personal reflections on the lived experiences of Muslim women in Europe and Christian women in Egypt
- Reflections from a Muslim perspective led by: Prof. Dr. Azza Ramadan Al-Abeda, Assistant Professor of Creed and Philosophy at Al-Azhar University
- Reflections from a Christian perspective led by: Dr Samia Qadry
- Joint scriptural reasoning sessions exploring the life and significance of John the Baptist (Sayedna Yaḥyā) in both the Qur’an and the Bible
A highlight of the program was a meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Aḥmed al-Ṭayyeb, who received the delegation on 23 June Monday afternoon. The organizers shared updates on the initiative’s progress and were deeply encouraged by the Grand Imam’s continued support and endorsement.
This fourth edition of “A Journey of Learning” marks two years of fruitful cooperation between Egypt’s foremost Islamic and Christian institutions. According to organizers, the sustained success of the program underscores the importance of fostering dialogue not only at the societal level but within theological education itself, where the seeds of mutual respect and understanding can grow for future generations of faith leaders.
As Egypt continues to play a central role in promoting interreligious harmony in the region, initiatives like this one affirm the enduring power of dialogue to bridge divides and build common ground through shared learning and sincere conversation.
