At the invitation of the Arab Educational Institute in Bethlehem, Dr. khoury addressed students in Beit Sahur’s Lutheran School on 1 March 2007 and students at the Good Shepherd’s School Beit Jala on 22 March 2007 on “The role of both general education and religious education in shared living among Palestinians”.
Dr. Khoury focused on religious education method and ways to live our faith, pointing out that God calls for both Christians and Muslims to love, respect and understand each other and to pursue the dictum that “one treats his brother as one wishes for oneself”. He called for changes in curriculum so the years of schooling, in private and public schools will deepen one’s national identity and shared living. He also expressed the need to give lessons on “religious cultural studies” in which Muslims and Christians can learn about each other and have dialogue on the role of their faiths in social and ethical issues. Dr. Khoury stressed the importance of the parallel education and especially the one acquires in mosques and churches. He added that the mass media’s importance in supporting shared living, and participation in national action as well as building the Palestinian state cannot be overemphasized.
Young people, according to Dr. Khoury, have many responsibilities in building the nation. Christian and Muslims Young people must participate and be very active in educational, artistic, athletic, social spheres. This will deepen their friendship and help in strengthening their live together.
In the question and answer sessions in both schools, Dr. Khoury underlined the importance of these encounters throughout the school year. For they strengthen mutual understanding and shared living.
