“Connect. Engage. Dialogue.” EID UK 2020
EID UK 2020 interfaith exchange was the first ever British Council-led delegation of scholars, educators, and leaders from the noble Al-Azhar in Egypt to the United Kingdom to learn about and engage in interfaith dialogue. The visit included a number of visits to faith, academic, and political communities; including Lambeth Palace, Rose Castle Foundation, LSE Faith Centre, SOAS, and the APPG for Freedom of Religion & Belief at UK Parliament. Themes included: scriptural reasoning, different religious imaginations, and understanding ‘the other’.
EID UK 2020 is delivered under the British Council’s ‘English for Interfaith Dialogue’ (EID) programme. The British Council in Egypt has empowered Azhari voices through opportunities to develop English language and intercultural skills since 2007. This work is endorsed and supported by the office of the Grand Imam of Azhar, Sheikh El-Tayab. Leading people on a journey of deep, and to use the words of a delegate “spiritual and intellectual”, reflection is not always easy. At times, delegates were challenged and tested. But patience was applied, and resilience encouraged. Education requires us to learn – and sometimes unlearn and relearn. Dialogue requires us to listen and to understand – and to sometimes be vulnerable. ?The delegates’ journey has been captured in the film. Upon returning to Egypt, they are keen to share their newly-found skills and interests among their students.
EID UK 2020
English for Interfaith Dialogue (EID)
British Council & Al-Azhar
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