We must work together to defeat ISIS: Says Archbishop of Canterbury and Grand Imam

Lambeth Palace

The Grand Imam of Al-Alzhar, Professor Dr Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, 

is visiting London as a guest of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Justin Welby's tireless diplomatic work continued with the latest in a series of meetings with senior leaders of other faiths and politicians today. Following his recent visit to China, the Archbishop of Canterbury is hosting one of Egypt's most senior scholars and clerics – the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Professor Dr Ahmad Al-Tayyeb.
The Archbishop and Dr Al-Tayyeb held a media briefing at Lambeth Palace today to discuss their joint agenda which includes "a determination to build bridges of peace", in the words of the Archbishop.

Welby has made support for Christians in the Middle East a vocal concern during his tenure and spoke of being "deeply committed to countering the narrative of extremism and terrorism". He reiterated his concern for Coptic believers who have been under threat since the revolution in Egypt which ousted Hosni Mubarak as President and has since seen his successor Mohammed Morsi removed by military intervention. He said, "I will continue to speak in the House of Lords... in advocacy for those who are suffering from the humanitarian disaster in the region."

Coptic Christians are thought to make up around ten per cent of the Egyptian population and are the largest single denomination in the Middle East. It was therefore noteworthy that the Archbishop welcomed Dr Al-Tayyeb as "The most significant of the Muslim leaders we welcome here at Lambeth." Dr Al-Tayyeb, who has been named as the most influential Muslim in the World,  said of those who attack Christians, "These people do not represent Egyptian Muslims, these people are terrorists."
The pair united on the need for "prioritising dialogue... whether in the region or worldwide" while Dr Al-Tayyeb said, "Islam teaches us mercy and Christianity teaches us love and peace."