CENTRE FOR CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM UNDERSTANDING AND PARTNERSHIP

History

The Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt played an important role in the drafting of the interfaith agreement between the Anglican Communion and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, signed in 2002 at Lambeth Palace in London. Since then, the Diocese and Al-Azhar have worked together on many community projects through Egypt, and have arranged and participated in an annual dialogue meeting.

The Centre for Christian-Muslim Understanding and Partnership was established in 2022 in order to bring these projects together in one organisation, in order to further develop and resource this vital work in the future. The idea for such a centre was developed and supported by the Anglican Archbishop of Alexandria, the Most Rev. Dr. Samy Fawzy Shehata, and His Eminence, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr Ahmed Al-Tayyeb. Archbishop Samy then asked Archbishop Emeritus Mouneer Anis to develop the centre and serve as its first director.

Academic courses

We offer academic courses in both Christian and Islamic Studies in partnership with the Alexandria School of Theology and Al Azhar University in order to enable scholars and faith leaders to develop a deep and robust understanding of other faiths.

Workshops and Visits

We arrange visits to Christian and Islamic sites, such as the Al Azhar Mosque, and the Coptic Museum.

Engaging Initiatives

The Centre for Christian-Muslim Understanding and Partnership organizes various projects at level to promote cooperation for the common good. Our initiatives involve working in schools, and projects with youth and women. One such initiative currently being planned is the ‘It Is Our Planet: Let Us Save It’ initiative, which will provide educational resources on environmental issues to children and teenagers.

Conflict Resolution & Peace-Building

Rather than being a cause of, or opportunity for, conflict, we believe that religion is essential for promoting peace between communities affected by sectarian strife. For this reason, the Centre is committed to training teams to go into areas of current or potential conflict in Egypt and beyond in order to promote understanding and reconciliation.

Our Partner

Vision

We are committed to promote peace and harmony between faith communities through more understanding of faiths, cultures and through working together for the common good.

Mission: Training, Engaging, Reconciliation

We aim to accomplish this vision through the provision of academic workshops on Christian and Islamic studies to current and future faith leaders.

We organize projects and workshops with ordinary Christians and Muslims in order to practically work together for the improvement of our communities, and in order for ordinary people to better understand those who hold to other faiths.

We provide training in methods of constructive dialogue, reconciliation, and peace-making, and send teams to work in areas of potential religious conflict.

Our Activities

  • Christian and Islamic studies

  • Workshops and field visits

  • Initiatives for different groups of society

  • Dialogue Initiatives

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Make Peace