Egypt: Muslim leader visits Coptic cathedral

January 11, 2017

Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extended Christmas greetings to the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church during a recent visit to his cathedral.

Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria “said that the relationship between Muslims and Christians in Egypt, which dates back thousands of years, serves as a role model of coexistence,” according to a paraphrase of his remarks in Egypt’s leading newspaper.

The Sunni leader, who has the reputation of being a leading moderate voice in the Muslim world, emphasized the “enduring reality” of tolerance despite a recent terrorist attack on a Cairo church.

The nation of 94.7 million is nearly 90% Sunni Muslim and 10% Coptic Christian.

 

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Further information:

• Al-Azhar's Grand Imam visits Coptic Cathedral with tidings for Christmas (Al-Ahram)
• Egyptian President unveils plans for Coptic cathedral in Cairo (CWN, 1/9/17)
• 25 dead in attack on Cairo church (CWN, 12/12/16)