In a related development, Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II chaired the “Seminar on Monasticism,” which resumed its work yesterday January 14 in Saint Bishoy Monastery in Wādī al-Natrūn. During the meeting, monasticism in Egypt has been discussed through the presentation of a project submitted by the board of the Secular Front in the Coptic Orthodox Church who is concerned with the situation of monasticism (Mīrā Mamdūh and Ihāb ꞌUmar, Rose al-Yūsuf, Jan. 15, p. 5). Read original text in Arabic.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayyīb, Grand Shaykh of the Azhar, said that the January 25th Revolution was successful and serves as a matchless model of other revolutions in the history of the region and the whole world.

Al-Tayyīb noted that the relationship between Egyptian Muslims and Christians has always been ruled by the spirit of tolerance. He added that the article on freedom of belief practices endorsed in the new constitution enshrines the rights of the Jewish and Christian non-Muslims to practice their faith in a spirit of tolerance and love among all the segments of the Egyptian society. He said Egypt will never backtrack on the march of freedom and democracy.

This statement given by the Grand Shaykh of the Azhar was given during his meeting on Monday, January 14, 2013 with Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Union and his accompanying delegation.