October 6th, 2008 by Jason

This afternoon, POMED and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung hosted a panel discussion titled “Religion and State: A Middle East, U.S., and EU ‘Trialogue.’” The event featured Geneive Abdo, Ibrahim Houdaiby, Bob Edgar, and Dietmar Nietan. The discussion was moderated by Andrew Albertson, Executive Director of POMED.

Geneive Abdo discussed the permanent tension in Islamic societies between the authority of the state and that of the religious clerisy. Ibrahim Houdaiby said that all three major monotheisms share basic human values that should govern societies. He believes a society governed by absolute secularism loses certain human values that only a religious framework can provide.

Dietmar Nietan noted that all European nations share the difficulty of integrating their Muslim populations. He stressed the need for dialogue with religious groups and noted such engagement has proven historically successful. Bob Edgar said that he believes strongly in the separation of church and state, but not in the separation of people of faith from government institutions.

For full notes on this POMED event, click here.

Posted in Egypt, Event Notes, Islam and Democracy, Muslim Brotherhood, POMED, Political Islam, Secularism |