The historic visit, from 19-24 January, has been organised by the Church Mission Society Ireland (CMSI), and follows a similar visit paid by CMSI to Egypt led by the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Neill, and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Dromore, the Most Revd John McAreavey in 2004. The guests will attend events in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.

The Egyptian delegation includes the Episcopal (Anglican) Bishop in Egypt, the Right Revd Dr Mouneer Hanna Anis, His Excellency Shaykh Dr Ali Gomma Mohamed Abdel Wahab, the Grand Mufti of Egypt and Rector of al-Azhar University, Shaykh Fawzy el-Zefzaf, and Dr Ali El Samman, President and Vice-President respectively of al-Azhar Mosque Permanent Committee for Dialogue with Monotheistic Religions.

In looking forward to the visit, the Archbishop of Armagh said, "I am delighted to welcome this delegation from Egypt to Ireland. I know of the great work that is being carried on in the inter faith discussions at al-Azhar in Cairo which is leading to closer understanding between Christians and Muslims. It is a privilege to have the leaders in those discussions visit us and we look forward to what they have to share with us. With a growing Islamic presence in Ireland, I welcome this initiative as we seek to create a climate of understanding."

Among the events the visitors will be attending are receptions hosted by both Archbishops, visits to churches and mosques and community groups. They will also meet with the Irish President Mary McAleese and pay a visit to Stormont Parliament Buildings. Receptions have been organised by the Egyptian Embassy, the Coptic Christian community, and the Muslim communities in Belfast and Dublin.

Full story: http://www.ireland.anglican.org/pressreleases/index.php?p=587