Customary Reconciliation Sessions in Egypt
For many Christians in Egypt, customary reconciliation sessions (CRS) represent one of the most visceral symbols of discrimination against their community. Others believe it could work. Existing outside the scope of formal law and justice, CRS offer a quick alternative to the lengthy judicial process as village elders and religious leaders decide matters of guilt, innocence, and punishment.
On January 16 a group of friends of Arab-West Report and the Center for Arab-West Understanding visited the village of Qufada in the district of Maghagha and interviewed Salafi sheikh Hamdi Abd al-Fattah in the Coptic Orthodox church of Qufada. Father Yu’annis was a most generous host. The priest believes customary reconciliation sessions can work if good mutual relations between local Muslim and Christian leaders are in place. This is certainly the case in Qufada.
Father Yu'annis with Sheikh Hamdi Some children from the village
Photos: photographer Katherina Eglau who participated in our visit.
Jayson Casper documented the discussion that took place. To read more please click here.
Cornelis Hulsman,
Deputy-chairman Center for Arab-West Understanding
Emerging Perspectives on Intercultural and Interreligious Relations
Dialogue Across Borders is a database of summary translations of Arabic newspaper articles with references to their sources about intercultural and interreligious relations, focusing primarily but not exclusively on Muslim-Christian relations. The database also contains articles with editorial analysis and interviews on the subject.