Egypt: a quiet revolution
Julian Stargardt considers some questions arising out of recent events in Egypt where people power is transforming that great and ancient country’s people from subjects to citizens
Some eyebrows were raised at Jesus Lane Meeting in September 1984 when, as a young Friend newly returned from Turkey, I noted similarities between Islam and Friends, such as testimonies to truth, integrity, peace, equality and justice, and also no ordained priesthood. ‘Islam’, derived from the word for ‘peace’, means submission to God’s will, while the Koran teaches ‘you will find the nearest in love to the believers (Muslims) those who say: “We are Christians”.’ [al-Maa’idah 5:82]. I was touched by the welcome Muslims gave me, such as invitations to worship together without pressure to convert. Reverse the situation: how welcoming would Friends or other Christians be?
You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.