wfn.org | [ACNS] Anglicans and Muslims to meet for dialogue in Cairo

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

ACNS 3876     |     ACO     |	  27 AUGUST 2004

Anglicans and Muslims to meet for dialogue in Cairo

The third meeting of the al-Azhar al-Sharif - Anglican Communion
Dialogue is to take place in Cairo, Egypt 8-9 September 2004. A team of
scholars and churchpeople, nominated by the Archbishop of Canterbury,
the Most Revd Rowan Williams, will be meeting with key representatives
of al-Azhar al-Sharif in Cairo - the leading religious institution in
the Sunni Muslim world. The dialogue is part of a process which provides
a means for the Anglican Communion to develop and foster positive
relationships of trust and co-operation with Muslim communities. The
Anglican Communion's contribution to the dialogue is administered on
behalf of Archbishop Rowan by NIFCON, the Anglican Communion's Inter
Faith Network.

At a time of continuing world tension, finding opportunities for leading
Christians and Muslims to meet and talk about their faiths, what they
share in common - as well as their differences - has proved rewarding
for both faiths. It is hoped that the meeting in Cairo will build on
good existing relationships and further deepen understanding about each
other's faith. It is also anticipated that the ongoing process will
consider the experience both of Christians who live in predominantly
Muslim contexts and of Muslims living in predominantly Christian
contexts.

After the formal meeting of the dialogue concludes, Archbishop Rowan
will be travelling to Cairo to deliver a lecture in al-Azhar al-Sharif
on 11 September 2004, and to visit a social and development project
which has been established largely because of the good relationships
between personnel at al-Azhar al-Sharif and the Anglican (Episcopal)
Diocese of Egypt and North Africa.

For the text of the original agreement for dialogue between the Anglican
Communion and al-Azhar al-Sharif see www.anglicannifcon.org/Dialogue.htm

For more information about the dialogue please contact Clare Amos,
Coordinator, NIFCON on tel. + 44 207 3133938 or email
clare.amos@anglicancommunion.org

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