The English Language Department, Faculty of Mass Communication, Cairo University, organized on May 10, 2017 a conference entitled “Religious discourse between the necessities of renewal and the preservation of constants” to discuss religious discourse and new mechanisms under the current circumstances, under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Gaber Nassar President of Cairo University, and Prof. Jihan Yousry, Dean of the Faculty.
The conference was attended by HG Anba Ermia, General Bishop and head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, Fr. Rafik Greish spokesman of the Catholic church in Egypt, Dr. Abbas Shoman, rapporteur of Al-Azhar, Dr. Mohieddin Afifi, Secretary General of the Islamic Research Center and Dr. Amna Nasir Professor of Creed and Philosophy at Al-Azhar University.
The session was moderated by TV presenter Amr Khalil, director Mohamed Fadel, writer and scenarist Dr. Medhat al-Adl, Dr. Ahlam Younis, president of the Academy of Arts, and TV presenter media Duaa Amer and the discussion was moderated by Mrs. Ola ElSafei, critic.
Dr. Amani Fahmy, head of the English department, said that the choice of the topic is based on the current status of Egyptian society as it is suffering from the lack of a proper understanding of religion, which led some to become prisoners of misinterpretation of the religion and push others into adopting extreme ideas , Stressing that the Islamic religion and the message of his noble prophet is innocent from this, this revealing moment requires careful reading of this speech, and how its’ produced, and its effects in the hearts and mind of followers of different religions.
She added that the conference includes two sessions, the first under the title “Religious discourse between the understanding of moderates and the delusions of the plaintiffs”, and is attended by a group of professors of Al-Azhar and Christian clerics, who review the facts and respond to the abusers of heavenly messages, based on coexistence, love, brotherhood and tolerance.
The second session is entitled “Culture and Art in the Face of Extremism”, in which experts present the role of art and culture as the mainstay of bringing out enlightened thought, build and not destroy, set up and not demolish, gather and not divide, pointing out that their role is indispensable at this moment which requires us all to stand together in order to enlighten minds. The media, also including newspapers, channels, radio and media, plays a role that must stand on its abuttals, explore its surroundings, understand its messages and form a conscious media discourse that will educate the citizens and be a wall of resistance in front of poisonous ideas and fishy pens.
The first session of the conference concluded by honoring the audience by Dr. Amani Fahmy and granting them the shield of Mass communication College and certificates of appreciation to greet their role in enlightening the minds of citizens and for accepting the college invitation to attend the conference.
