ABU DHABI- Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, President of Zayed University, has recently received a delegation of 47 professors and students from the Catholic Institute in Paris, led by Ludovic Danto, Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law.
The two sides conversed on joint academic relations and projects between the Institute and Zayed University in favour of research and direct dialogue on topics that link the Islamic faith and Christianity in an even and constructive manner. Promoting, henceforth, the values of tolerance and sustainability of peace, and exchanging academic experiences in the field of religious and social education. Coordinated by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the delegation attended several workshops and discussions with Zayed University counterparts on issues relating to law, ethnicity and religious diversity in Islam.
"The UAE, which homes a harmonious society of over 200 nationalities, we are committed to establishing tolerance as a fundamental principle of life. We seed that principle into the hearts of all the foreign residents with love and care," Al Qasimi said. Sheikha Lubna praised the role played by the French Catholic Institute in promoting a dialogue between religions, indicating their notable step in signing an agreement with Al-Azhar University in Cairo last year, through which, its Institute of Science and Religious Theology, aims to promote interfaith dialogues.
She noted the existence of a Christian monastery and church on the island of Baniyas in the United Arab Emirates, dating to multi-religious and multicultural groups that settled this island during the 7th and 8th Centuries AD. "There are shreds of evidence that a Christian community resided in Sir Bani Yas back at that time, living alongside the Muslim population.
This, in turn, reflects the spirit of religious tolerance and co-existence amongst various religious communities," she said. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan encouraged the further exploration and research, and urged the preservation of this valuable international site, following its initial discovery.
During the meeting, Danto expressed his gratitude, adding that "Our visit stands for open interfaith dialogues to wisely understand Islam, and to admire a nation that crowds hundreds of nationalities and beliefs, and managed to maintain harmony and social peace." "Sheikh Zayed is an exemplary role model of a great man who loves his country and people and wishes harmony to all mankind. He united a nation and opened his door to everyone from all over the world to live in a safe, stable and beautiful country," he added.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2018.
