At the invitation of the Parish Priest of the Church of the Lady in Mi’ilya, Fr. Nadim Mourani, and the Mayor of the Local Council, Mr. Hatem ‘Arraf, Al-Liqa’ Center’s new publication by Dr. Geries S. Khoury, Book of Evidence on Confirming Faith of Patriarch Sophronuis was presented.
At the beginning of the presentation Dr. Geries focused on the present situation in the Arab countries where killings and desecrating of holy places are being carried out by terrorists who claim to represent Islam. This situation totally contradicts the spirit of tolerance in Islam and which was represented by the unique relation between the Caliph Omar and Patriarch of Jerusalem Sophronius.
Knowing the “others” is important of understanding the true message of the other’s religion and holy book. Ignorance is the enemy of interfaith dialogue. Dr. Geries stressed the danger of generalization and judging the others. There is a dire need to understand the other and not to rotate around the self which will lead us to death.
Dr. Khoury spoke as well on the content of the book and its importance.
A question and an answer session as well as general discussion followed.
