During this school year McMurry University has designated a university-wide focus on global Christianity. The university has a program focused on interfaith relations, which aims to foster mutual understanding and respect.
The highlight of the year is coming next week when McMurry welcomes Bishop Anba Suriel of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California, and Hawaii. Next Monday and Tuesday Bishop Suriel will present lectures examining the relationship between Copts and Muslims, looking back at the history of their relations as well as modern-day relations
Philip LeMasters is a Professor of Religion and the Director of the Honors Program at McMurry University. He has helped to organize Bishop Suriel’s visit, and he says these types of guest speakers fit into one big picture goal the university has for educating its students.
Lectures on Christian-Muslim Relations in Egypt featuring Bishop Anba Suriel will be open to the community. The lectures will be held in Matthews Auditorium.
Monday February 7 at 7 p.m.: “Copts and Muslims: From Early Islam to the Ottoman Period”
Tuesday February 8 at 3 p.m.: “Copts and Muslims in the Early Nationalist Movement (1879-1919)”
Tuesday February 8 at 7 p.m.: “Cooperation or Co-existence? Modern Developments in the 20th and 21st Centuries Between Copts and Muslims”
McMurry is offering a livestream of the lecture series for those who cannot attend in person.