Dear friends,
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Egypt's foremost Muslim cleric, Sheikh Mohammed Sayed Tantawi, 81, passed away yesterday due to a suspected heart attack. He was visiting the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
It came as a big shock to the Muslim community across the globe. Sheikh Mohamed Sayeed Tantawi was regarded by many as the leading Muslim in the world and was the Grand Imam of the Al Azhar University and Mosque in Cairo.
He was also the  only person who had been involved in both our Israel/Palestine work and our work in Iraq. This photo from our website - www.FRRME.org - was taken after the Iraqi religious leaders meeting at the Al Azhar.
My involvement with him far precedes that event. Our most important meeting regarding Israel and Palestine, which lead to the Alexandria Declaration (see sidebar), was jointly chaired by him and our Patron, the then Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey.
This was a historic occasion as for the first time Jews, Christians and Muslims came together to condemn all forms of violence in the Holy Lands, including suicide bombings.
Sheikh Tantawi totally supported our work to reduce tension between Sunni and Shia and to bring an end to all violence in Iraq. He was very outspoken on many issues, including issuing statements as to the total non-justification of female circumcision. He was against the forced wearing of the Hijab and even stated that the ruling against the wearing of it in France should be abided by.
His important response to the September 11th attacks condemned those involved: "Killing innocent civilians is a horrific, hideous act that no religion can approve".
So the world has lost a great forward thinking Muslim leader. May G-d be with all who mourn his death and may we all remember this great man.
Blessings to you all,
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For more information on the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East please visit our website
www.frrme.org |
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Triple Marathon Madness
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Please consider sponsoring FRRME Director Peter Marsden as he punishes body and mind to complete the "Jurassic Challenge".
We are aiming to smash last year's record of £7,700 raised, with all proceeds going towards the work of FRRME and St. George's church.
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The Alexandria Declaration & IRRI
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"The First Alexandria Declaration of the Religious Leaders of the Holy Land"
In signing this historic document, the signatories called for an end to bloodshed in the name of religion, and called on all sides to refrain from incitement of racial and religious hatred. They each affirmed their respect for the other's historical and religious inheritance, and pledged to create an environment in which present and future generations may coexist with mutual respect and trust.
"Inter-Religious Reconciliation Initiative"
FRRME hosts IRRI conferences, which enable members of the High Council to meet together, to deepen relationships and to discuss the issues affecting national reconciliation.
This initiative is more than just a talking shop. The joint declarations issued by the Council have powerful effects; they include the first ever Joint Sunni-Shia Fatwa, declaring that violence against fellow Muslims, or indeed against other groups including Christians, is unacceptable under Islamic Law.
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Andrew's Appearances
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Special Request
If you would like Canon White or Peter Marsden, Director of Operations, to speak at your church, university or event, please get in touch.
Contact details in the header.
UK14th March: Holy Trinity Brompton & St. Paul's, Onslow Square - 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm serviceswww.htb.org.uk
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