A seminar on harmony and coexistence between Egyptian Muslims and Christians throughout history – Cairo International Lions Club
The speech focuses on the importance of national unity in Egypt and the need to preserve love, understanding, and integration between Muslims and Christians.
Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that national unity is not something new, but rather a relationship that has continued throughout Egyptian history, and that peaceful coexistence alone is not enough; it should develop into genuine knowledge, integration, and mutual love.
He also explains that a person’s treatment of others should reflect a positive image of his religion and character, because an individual’s behavior may influence how others view the religion to which that person belongs.
He points out that joint meetings between religious leaders and participation in conferences, seminars, and social and scientific activities help remove fears and misunderstandings and strengthen relationships among the people of the nation.
Spiritual Message
The central message is that love should be the prevailing element in the relationship among the people of the nation, and that negative events should not cause people to forget the broader picture based on affection and cooperation.
The Pope emphasizes that a responsible person builds rather than destroys, and unites rather than divides, and that religious leaders have a responsibility to present a practical example of understanding and love.
He also highlights the importance of respecting and considering the feelings of others during different occasions and meetings, because practical love is demonstrated through behavior and not merely through words.
Educational Lesson
The speech explains that interfaith dialogue can focus on areas of common understanding in religious, social, and scientific matters, without aiming to change established beliefs.
It gives examples of cooperation in subjects such as medical and social issues and combating addiction, as well as meetings that bring Muslims and Christians together before society and students, demonstrating the possibility of working together for the common good.
It also stresses the importance of the culture of the Egyptian child and the need for children to learn the values of love, tolerance, and living together from an early age, so that they do not develop extremist ideas or distorted images of others.
Practical Application
The practical application of national unity begins with meeting, getting to know one another, and drawing closer to one another, because distance may lead to suspicion, while closeness leads to an exchange of ideas and feelings and to a better understanding of others.
The Pope encourages the continuation of visits and joint meetings between religious leaders and members of society, as well as participation in seminars, institutions, and activities that bring the people of the nation together.
He also calls for negative events to be confronted with love and cooperation, and for individual actions not to be allowed to destroy the broader relationships among people.
At the conclusion of the speech, he asks God to bless national unity in Egypt, so that this unity may continue to present a positive image of Egypt to others, with love and affection prevailing as the general rule.
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