In this lengthy interview with October Magazine, Bishop Yūhannā Qultah says that the recent meeting of the Middle East Synod in Vatican City has "changed the church's perception of Islam 180 degrees, encouraging it to respect Islam and Muslims."
The Deputy Patriarch of the Coptic Catholic Church also said that the meeting pushed for increased dialogue with all religions, including Judaism.
It is Qultah's opinion that all Christians should respect Muslims and honor the way that they worship God. He says that Muslims should likewise respect Christians and their practices.
Regarding the Coptic Catholic stance on the issue of divorce and remarriage, the Bishop emphasized that the only justification for divorce is in the case of adultery.
Qultah also said that the Vatican synod discussed the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, determining that the world cannot experience any measure of true peace unless the conflict is first resolved.
Discussing Egyptian affairs, Bishop Qultah prefers a civil state rather than a religious one, believing that clerical rule is the worst type of government in the world. Instead, Qultah calls for a more balanced version of "Azhar-type Islam" in order to counter the extremism that exists today.
