His Grace Bishop Ermia, General Bishop, head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center and Assistant Secretary General of the Egyptian Family House, participated in «Soft power confronting Terrorism» seminar which was held on Saturday February 3, 2018 at the 49th Cairo International Book Fair.
The seminar was also attended by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abu Zeid, General Coordinator of the Egyptian Family House, Dr. Aida Nassif, Assistant General rapporteur for the Youth Sector at the Egyptian Family House and Professor Gerges Saleh.
In his speech at the seminar, HG Bishop Ermia said that pluralism does not mean that there is a tussle that could lead to terrorism and killing, like what is happening now between people of different faiths.
He added that as the practices of intolerance in the East and West remains, we must find a way to confront intolerance in all its forms, especially that intolerance creates sedition, conflicts and absurd wars leading to the destruction of countries.
He pointed out that the most important principles of pluralism is to accept the principle of respect for others, privacy and religion differences. We need to accept pluralism and teach humanity concepts that promote friendliness and love. Here I borrow Nelson Mandela quote : “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion”.
He pointed out that hatred begins by not to knowing the other and If we approached from each other we will have a common ground.
He pointed out that Egypt has known the meaning of co-existence between religions and peaceful coexistence since the first century AD, explaining that Islam stated the peaceful relationship of Muslims with other religions believers and this is stated in Surat Al-Hujurat “If Lord had so willed, He would have made you a single people” In Surat Yunus, “If Lord had so willed, who live on earth would surely have attained to faith, all of them.” Allah said in Surat Al-Kafirun, “To you your religion and to me mine.”
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