The Cardinal Martini Institute for Leadership in Bethlehem University with the cooperation of Al-Liqa’ Center for Religious and Heritage Studies in the Holy Land organized in the Fourno Hall / Bethlehem University, a celebration for issuing a new book by Father Dr. Rafiq Khoury entitled: “For the Sake of Open Borders Between Time and Eternity: The Other… a Grace or Wrath?”. The celebration was attended by his beatitude Patriarch Michael Sabbah, Bishop Boulos Marquzzo, Reverent Dr. Mitri Al-Raheb, Father Dr. Iyad Twal, Father Rafiq Khoury, Dr. Yousef Zaknoun, and Father Dr. Jamal Khader.
It was also attended by teachers and students of Bethlehem University.
Dr. Yousef Zaknoun, Director of the Cardinal Martini Institute for Leadership and the Head of the Studies Center, welcomed the speakers and lauded Father Rafiq Khoury one of the notable Palestinian theologians.
Then his beatitude Michael Sabbah presented the book of Father Rafiq Khoury and said: “I first stop at this comprehensive title for the sake of open borders between time and eternity, that is, openness on everything until eternity, that is, getting free from all political, sectarian and self-borders and barriers.”
“Father Rafiq puts his word which is the free man, all the freedom which is not marred by borders or barriers; rather it is the freedom which is connected with its right aim: the freedom of choosing the good.”
Reverend Dr. Mitri Al-Raheb said: “Here is Father Rafiq Khoury looking at us through a new giving. He is the one who taught us that life is giving and generosity which do not know borders. Here he presents the Arab reader with a new book which forms the third book of three books for the sake of open borders between time and eternity. In this book he deals with the concept of the other, the identity, the dialogue, the concept of unity and partnership, the ecumenical relations, and the Islamic-Christian relations”.
Father Dr. Iyad Twal presented the topic of the book, the articles, and the relationship with the other. He urged all to own the book and read it through circles or groups which are concerned with the human and the faith affair.
Father Rafiq Khoury thanked the speakers and the audience. He said: “This book is the third part, and this means that two parts preceded it. The first part is entitled “Towards a Theology Which is Embodied in the Soil of Our Country.” The second part is entitled “The Christian Presence in the East between the Past, the Present and the Future.” The Third part is entitled “The Other: A Grace or Wrath?” and it deals with the relationship with the other in its different circles. He offered many observations which are related to the nature of these books.
He concluded with a note of hope and optimism, specially that many societies are born in the arduous time. He said: “I am certain that the hardships through which we are passing will give birth to new thinking, a new world and a new man.”
At the end, Father Rafiq signed copies of his book for those who attended the celebration.
