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World Council of Churches: The Muslim Council of Elders Has Significantly Advanced Global Efforts to Promote and Spread the Values of Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, congratulated the Muslim Council of Elders and His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the tenth anniversary of its founding. Rev. Pillay emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders has significantly advanced global efforts to promote and spread the values of tolerance, human fraternity, and peaceful coexistence.

In an official correspondence to the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay stated that the establishment of the Muslim Council of Elders came at a critical time when the world was witnessing an increase in extremist rhetoric and the misuse of religion to achieve geopolitical agendas, posing a significant challenge to humanity. He noted that the council has become a beacon of hope and a platform providing an authentic voice for Islam and its noble values that call for peace, love, justice, and respect for others. He added that the council has swiftly become a powerful force for spreading the values of goodness and human fraternity, challenging misconceptions, and promoting dialogue among diverse communities.

Rev. Pillay also praised the strong relationship between the World Council of Churches and the Muslim Council of Elders, stating, “Our initiatives and joint cooperation have strengthened the bonds between our communities and demonstrated a united stance against violence and division. As we celebrate this important anniversary, we reflect on the journey we have undertaken together. The World Council of Churches is proud to walk side by side with the Muslim Council of Elders in advocating for a world that embraces diversity, respects and values every individual, and achieves reconciliation and unity among all people, ensuring justice and equality for all. We also aim to enhance the role of religions in spreading hope, love, and peace.”

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches also expressed his hope that the Muslim Council of Elders would continue its successful journey and constructive efforts to build bridges of communication and dialogue with others, and that the coming decade would be filled with exceptional achievements and joint efforts to build a world characterized by justice, peace, and mutual respect.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirmed that human trafficking is one of the most challenging issues facing the international community in the modern era. Individuals are exploited for various purposes, including forced labor, crime, begging, and more. This necessitates unifying international efforts to combat this dangerous phenomenon that violates human dignity and subjects millions of people to suffering and exploitation.

In a statement on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which falls on July 30th each year, the Muslim Council of Elders stated that all divine religions urge us to respect human rights and preserve human dignity, regardless of gender, religion, or race. Allah says in the Noble Qur’an: “Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures” (Al-Isra: 70). The Council called for increasing awareness of the dangers of human trafficking and the necessity of protecting the most vulnerable groups, especially women, children, refugees, the displaced, and those who have lost their homes and shelters. It also emphasized the necessity of providing victims with psychological, social, and legal support to ensure their reintegration into society in a manner befitting their human dignity.

The statement pointed out that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, confirmed that Allah created all humans equal in rights, duties, and dignity. The Document called for living as brothers to build the earth and spread the values of goodness, amity, and peace. It also called for the protection of the rights of migrants, displaced persons, and all victims of wars, persecution, and injustice, as well as the weak, the frightened, the prisoners, and the tortured without exclusion or discrimination.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Archbishop of Constantinople, in Istanbul, Turkey. The discussion focused on enhancing mutual cooperation in promoting and fostering the values of tolerance, coexistence, and interfaith dialogue, as well as its role in combating hate speech and addressing global challenges.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam praised the role of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in promoting interfaith dialogue, particularly concerning climate change and combating hate. He expressed his appreciation for His Holiness’s efforts in spreading a culture of understanding and mutual respect, stating that this meeting reflects the spirit of cooperation and understanding between religions and cultures that the Muslim Council of Elders aims to establish. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working with all active parties worldwide to promote peace and counter all forms of extremism, hatred, racism, intolerance, and discrimination.

Judge Abdelsalam also highlighted that true friendship, especially among those dedicated to humanity and striving for genuine peace, can overcome challenges and obstacles. He referenced the global model of fraternal relations between His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, and the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Justin Welby. Among the fruits of these efforts are the Human Fraternity Document in Abu Dhabi, considered the most significant in modern human history, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement on Climate,” the Al-Azhar Global Citizenship Declaration, the Bahrain Dialogue Forum between East and West, and other important initiatives.

For his part, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I expressed his appreciation for the efforts of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb in solidifying the values of coexistence and human fraternity, building bridges of communication and understanding between religions, and the active role played by the Muslim Council of Elders on various levels to reinforce the culture of diversity, pluralism, and acceptance and respect for others. He emphasized the importance of joint efforts to deepen religious and cultural dialogue and expressed his eagerness to enhance cooperation with the Council to address the common challenges that hinder peace and stability in societies.

During the meeting, His All-Holiness congratulated the Council on its tenth anniversary, acknowledging the significant steps it has taken in its first decade to promote the spirit of tolerance, love, and fraternity among all people, regardless of their differences and diversity. He expressed his hopes for continued success and further achievements in collaboration with the Council in the coming period.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and President of the Muslim Council of Elders, condemns the terrorist attack that took place in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, resulting in the death and injury of several people.

The Muslim Council of Elders firmly rejects such terrorist acts, which are contrary to the teachings of Islam, all divine religions, international laws, and norms. The Council calls for coordinated efforts to eliminate and uproot this heinous terrorism.

The Council expresses its deepest condolences to the government and people of Somalia, as well as to the families of the victims. It prays to Almighty Allah to grant mercy to the deceased and a swift recovery to the injured.

His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, received His Excellency Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat in the United Arab Emirates, and His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. The meeting took place at His Eminence’s residence in Abu Dhabi shortly before his departure to Cairo, with the presence of His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

During the meeting, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the importance of adhering to the rich heritage of the Muslim nation, filled with sciences and knowledge that once formed a great Islamic civilization that continues to contribute to global advancements in various fields. He highlighted the importance of harnessing the treasures of Islamic heritage, promoting its understanding, and exploring diverse intellectual schools of thought and following the approach that does not contradict the principles of our religion. He affirmed that Islamic civilization was built on openness to others, away from extremism and insularity. His Eminence further called for coordinated efforts between the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and the Muslim Council of Elders to reinforce shared human values, establish a culture of coexistence, civilizational dialogue, and human fraternity, and protect the youth against extremist ideologies while instilling in them the values of ethics and allegiance to their homelands.

Both H.E. Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei and H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri expressed their deep admiration and respect for His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, appreciating his profound knowledge and efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, and fostering values of peace, dialogue, and human coexistence. They affirmed their eagerness to advance scientific, knowledge-based, and Islamic teaching cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Muslim Council of Elders to promote the benevolence of Islam and counteract extremist ideologies, fostering values of justice, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and was received by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al-Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.

His Eminence proceeded to the tomb of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God rest his soul, where he recited the Fatiha and prayed for mercy and forgiveness for him, remembering his legacy and wise approach that fostered a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among different peoples of the world.

His Eminence the Grand Imam affirmed that Sheikh Zayed, God rest his soul, was a unique example of a wise leader whose vision made the UAE a model of development, progress, preservation of religion, and values. He also left a rich legacy in supporting charitable and humanitarian work, significantly contributing to establishing a culture of tolerance and coexistence through his honorable deeds and positions.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders praised the civilizational message of the mosque, advocating coexistence and tolerance and openness to others; emanating from the virtues and values of the founding father, and the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in promoting the tolerant Islamic culture and advancing civilizational communication among different cultures and peoples worldwide.

Accompanying His Eminence the Grand Imam during the visit were His Excellency Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat in the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, and His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, asserts that youth are the cornerstone of achieving progress and development. The Council calls for the empowerment of young people and the enhancement of their skills through scientific and intellectual training, providing them with human values, and giving them opportunities for active participation, expression of their opinions, and support for their constructive initiatives and ideas, contributing to a better future.

In a statement marking World Youth Skills Day, which is observed annually on July 15, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the need to expand cooperation between governments, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and others to support efforts aimed at equipping young people with the skills necessary for creativity and innovation. The Council, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, places great importance on empowering youth and developing their abilities to face global challenges, recognizing the active role of youth in fostering peace, enhancing human coexistence, and building bridges of communication and dialogue with others.

Likewise, the Muslim Council of Elders is deeply committed to supporting youth and developing their skills and abilities to strengthen their role in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. This commitment is demonstrated through various initiatives such as the “Emerging Peacemakers Forum,” which provides a platform for dialogue among youth aged 18 to 30, enabling them to launch national and regional projects related to peacebuilding and promoting the values of tolerance and human fraternity. Additionally, the “Human Fraternity Dialogues” aims to introduce university students to the values of human fraternity, creating an international network and platform for students worldwide to share creative ideas for fostering interfaith and intercultural solidarity within communities. Other initiatives include the “Ethics Education Fellowship,” which seeks to integrate human and ethical values into educational curricula, and the “Azadi Fellowship Program” in Islamabad, which aims to establish a culture of religious and cultural dialogue, support efforts to enhance peaceful coexistence, combat hate speech and extremism, and address global peacebuilding challenges. These efforts reflect the Council’s belief in the crucial role of youth in nation-building and community development.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, at his residence in Abu Dhabi to discuss enhancing mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the UAE, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in supporting the causes of the Ummah and promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He praised the initiatives and efforts of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan in this regard, highlighting the close cooperation between the Ministry of Tolerance and the Muslim Council of Elders in consolidating common human values, fostering a culture of coexistence and civilizational dialogue, and the importance of shielding the youth against extremist ideologies, while instilling values, ethics, and loyalty to the nation.

For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Grand Imam, which have significantly contributed to showcasing the moderation and tolerance of Islam, countering extremism and terrorism, correcting misconceptions, and fostering constructive engagement with Muslims worldwide. He commended the importance of the Grand Imam’s visit to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, and the “Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace” initiative announced during his visit to Indonesia. He affirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of the Grand Imam, greatly contributes to promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan also congratulated the Grand Imam on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Muslim Council of Elders. In turn, the Grand Imam presented the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence with a special edition of the commemorative medal marking the 10th anniversary of the Council’s founding.

The meeting was also attended by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.