The recent attack on Christian worshippers exiting Coptic Christmas Eve mass in Nag Hamadi, January 6, 2010, has focused Egyptian attention on Muslim-Christian violence which has also been witnessed in other locations throughout the country. While some deny that these incidents have a religious basis or reflect declining relations between the two faith communities, others see through the lens of a growing trend in discrimination and persecution of the Christian numerical minority. While the truth may be somewhere in between, few have put forward a plan to reduce these tensions, whatever their nature, which have been occurring among the divergent expressions of faith.
Ayman Ramsis, in a paper entitled “Faith Based Conflict Resolution for the Muslim – Christian Conflict in Egypt” is one person who is exploring such solutions. While some advocate that civil society in Egypt and interreligious relations would do well to minimize religious focus due to its potential for misunderstanding and divisiveness, this paper takes the opposite track. Delving fully into the Christian and Muslim scriptural sources it discovers the resources available to each for peacemaking and reconciliation. Both communities have an impetus towards harmonious coexistence and tools for proactive interreligious conflict resolution.
The author does not simply mine the traditions, however, but adds historical and theoretical context. The modern history of Egyptian religious relations is described to introduce the subject, describing each community and its deep religious convictions which would make a religious solution not only possible but desirable, and perhaps essential. Furthermore he presents a proposed methodology for bringing conflicting members of different religions together, exploring how each might through their own faith develop empathy and consideration for the other. Concluding with a description of both challenges and opportunities, the paper provides the reader with an essential foundation from which to further develop this practice in Egypt. As religion at times becomes a barrier for increased understanding, the author hopes instead that it might become a source of strength for mutual respect and peace.
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