Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif received, on Wednesday at the headquarters of Al-Azhar, a high-level delegation of deans of theological faculties around the world, accompanied by Bishop Dr. Sami Fawzi, Archbishop of Alexandria Region of the Episcopal Church, and Dr. Mounir Hanna, former President of the Episcopal Church.  The Grand Imam expressed his pleasure to receive this distinguished delegation as they exchange visions on contemporary crises, and ways of strengthening the bonds of friendliness and cooperation between their institutions and Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif. HE stressed that extremist groups deliberately corrupted the relationship between the Muslims and the Christians and caused conflict, intolerance and hatred among them, pointing out that these groups work, directly or indirectly, according to political agendas, and that their danger lies in attracting young people and recruiting them. Therefore, religious institutions have a great role in confronting these groups that propagate satanic ideas with the aim of destroying communities and igniting the fire of sedition. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar pointed out that the relationship between Muslims and Christians is an old and permanent on that goes back to the advent of Islam and has developed ever since. We have learned from our Holy Prophet (pbuh) to respect our Christian brothers and their sanctities. This relationship has developed over the ages despite the attempt of some to trigger sedition and play on the pretext of different beliefs, and exploit it in the implementation of malicious agendas. HE noted, “In Egypt, we have established an entity that brings together all Egyptians, i.e., the Egyptian Family House, and we have strengthened our cooperation with Christian institutions in Egypt and the world, including the Egyptian Orthodox Church, the World Council of Churches, the Church of Canterbury in the United Kingdom, the Catholic Church in Rome, and other religious institutions around the world. This has culminated in the co-signing of the Document of Human Fraternity between Al-Azhar and the Vatican to set an example in the good relationship between the followers of different cultures and beliefs. 

On their part, the members of the delegation expressed their appreciation for His Eminence the Grand Imam for his efforts regarding coexistence and promoting peace. They also expressed their pleasure with visiting Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, stressing the need to respect the beliefs of others and their sanctities, noting that freedom never means challenging the beliefs of others or provoking their feelings. They also stressed the need of their country for Al-Azhar’s scholars and its moderate approach to combat religious fanaticism and eliminate extremism.  The two sides exchanged congratulations on the feasts of Muslims and Christians, where the Grand Imam congratulated the delegation on Easter, wishing fellow Christian brothers around the world many happy returns of these occasions that would continue to bring them goodness and peace. In return, the delegation congratulated the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar on the imminent advent of ˁEid ul-Fiṭr, wishing His Eminence and all Muslims to enjoy goodness, happiness and blessings on such occasions.