Muslims and evangelical Christians are talking ”” at least behind closed doors at the Egyptian Embassy ”” according to several guests at a top-secret lunch last week.
The July 2 gathering lasted two hours and featured ambassadors from nine Arab states plus their umbrella group, and several prominent evangelical leaders or their sons.
“They were assessing the next generation,” said Richard Cizik, vice president for governmental affairs of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and one of the participants. “The meeting was reflective of the generational changes that are happening, and everyone knew it.”
The meeting, which was orchestrated by Pentecostal evangelist Benny Hinn, focused on two issues, though the two groups had differing priorities. Whereas the Americans wanted to discuss the lack of religious freedom in Muslim countries, the ambassadors wanted to know whether Christians could become more “balanced” in their support of Israel.
thanks for posting this – I have a great deal of admiration for Richard Cizik
Mark Galli of Christianity Today has written recently in a profoundly moving way about his bridge building with the Islamic world, something that we Western Christians sorely need to do more of.
The article does not say very much. Maybe Bob can expand a little.
It reminded me of how St. Francis sought a way toward peace and understanding through dialogue with Malik-al-Kamil, the sultan of Egypt.