Drs. Cornelis Hulsman - Presentation in Brussels on May 9, 2012.

1. Photos showing a different image of Muslim-
Christian relations in Egypt from that
presented in most media

2. - Electronic library on Muslim-Christian
relations since 1997 – 28,000 articles and
reports
- Investigative reporting of hundreds of
tensions – analyse patterns
- Seeking peaceful solutions
Founded by:
- Sawsan Gabra, Egyptian/Coptic Orthodox
- Cornelis Hulsman, 35 years involved in
sociological research and dialogue

3. Muslims and Christians in the revolution

4. Muslims solidarity with Christians
following an attack – what do they do?
Pray!

5. Muslim Brothers and sisters in Alexandria
demonstrating in support of Christians
following an attack on a church in March
2011

6. New Year 2012 – Muslims mourning the
attack on a church in Alexandria one year
earlier

7. March 18, 2012 – Muslims providing water
all day long to mourning Christians for the
death of Pope Shenouda

8. Qufada: Father Yo’annis (caring for the
poor) and Salafi sheikh Hamdi (chairing
reconcilliation meetings)

9. Example of church building after the
revolution - (mis) use the weakness of the
government. Tens of new churches have
been built

10. Egypt is a country full of problems
BUT
When you experience also this in Egypt can
you speak of persecution??
My answer: a firm NO!
But do Christians and Muslims in Egypt
need our help to overcome its current
difficulties??
My answer: a firm YES! But do this wisely!

11. Christian responses diverse:
-Optimism, army even rebuilds
destroyed churches, end of censorship
-Pessimism, fear for Islamists, mobs in
the streets
Bishop Golta: be optimistic!!
Support Egypt!!

12. What can we do in the West?
- Study, see relations are neither black nor white
- Do not blame Islam in general/ seek Muslim friends
- Listen to Egyptians experienced in dialogue:
- i.e. Bishop Qulta: religion but not spirituality,
- Respect for Islam is NOT belief
- Encourage Egyptians
Possible projects:
- Publication on Muslim-Christian/Arab-West dialogue with Egyptian
Muslim and Christian scholars participating
- Early Warning and Early Response system to encourage civilians to act in
an early stage against developments that could lead to violence. Always
in cooperation with Egyptian authorities

13. Parlementarischer
Abend Berlin
March 2011.

14. Thank you for listening!
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