Dr. George Carey will welcome 40 leading theologians to a seminar at Lambeth Palace intended to improve relations between the two faiths, particularly in view of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The importance that No. 10 Downing Street attaches to the gathering is underlined by the attendance as observers of the Prime Minister´s private secretary, Francis Campbell, and his secretary for appointments, William Chapman.
Blair has emphasized that the war on terrorism is not a war on any religious group and that British Muslims are a welcome and valued part of society.
During his 11 years as archbishop of Canterbury, Carey has also placed great emphasis on interfaith relations.
In a further move toward greater understanding between Muslims and Christians, Carey is to sign a historic agreement with Mohamed Sayed Tantawy, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar al-Sharif University in Cairo. Tantawy is considered Egypt´s senior Islamic figure and occupies one of the most respected posts in Sunni Islam.
