Cambridge / United Kingdom

The article discusses the invitation to dialogue, initiated by Muslim scholars, to bridge the gap between Muslims and Christians. Muslim scholars are disappointed with Pope Benedict XVI’s negative response to the initiative. The article refers to Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran’s statement in which he claimed that it is difficult to have a theological dialogue with Muslims.

Father Basilius discusses the history and theological philosophies of Father Mattá al-Maskīn. The interview is mainly focused on theology and the practices of clergymen.

Some Coptic websites presented a study realized by Dr. George Bibāwī and Dr. Robert Show. The study deems Pope Shenouda Kāfir and provide an explicit argument to its claims.

Dr. Amīn Makram ‘Ubayd introduces himself to readers of AWR, wanting to dedicate his efforts “towards a mission of progress energized by a will to see obscurantism defeated, fanaticism vanquished and poverty conquered.” “Writing,” Dr. ‘Ubayd writes, “associated with a fair degree of research, put me on the way to find a mean to reconcile the apparently irreconcilable, socio- religious views that are the basis of the Egyptian social and cultural malaise” who firmly believes “that there could never be an improvement of the social scene, or a cure for its malaise, unless and if, its causes are courageously and objectively addressed.” AWR is extremely pleased Dr. Amīn Makram ‘Ubayd joined our board of advisors.

The Centre introduces Rev. Dr. John Watson, a long time RNSAW/AWR board member, as a close companion of Bishop Kenneth Cragg, an eminent Arabist and one of the greatest Christian scholars of Islam in the world in his search for truth and dialogue. Only one sentence has ultimate significance for John Watson: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

[also published in Al-Sha’ab, April 13, 1999]

The article gives some background on Salman Rushdie.