THE Archbishop of Canterbury is to mark the third anniversary of the September 11 attacks by praising Islam in an address from the pulpit of a mosque in the Muslim world’s most important centre of learning.

Rowan Williams has accepted an invitation to speak at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. He will speak to his Muslim congregation of the common ground between Christianity and Islam with their shared inheritance as “children of Abraham”.

The archbishop’s message of reconciliation will have added symbolism because he was near the World Trade Center in New York when it was attacked in 2001. Afterwards, he described facing the possibility of “sudden and violent death”.

Al-Azhar is considered the most important religious university in the Muslim world and is attended by 90,000 students.

The university, founded in the 10th century, is also thought to be the oldest and contains the most prestigious school of law in Sunni Islam.

Muslim leaders say there is huge significance in the invitation. Zaki Badawi, founder of the Muslim College in London, said Williams’ address would strengthen the links between the two faiths. He said: “It is a very significant moment in the history of our two faiths and especially coming from a man of his stature and learning.

“This will cement the relationship between Christianity and Islam because he will point out those aspects which unite the two religions. The Muslims throughout the world feel beleaguered and a comforting word from Archbishop Williams will assure our people they are not alone.”

Williams will commit himself to extending Christian dialogue with Islam and stress his own belief in the need for a peaceful solution to the conflicts of the Middle East. He is expected to discuss the spiritual relationship that exists among the children of Abraham.

Both religions revere Abraham as a prophet and both accept the 10 commandments given by God to Moses.

Williams has already led two major meetings between Christian and Muslim scholars as part of the Building Bridges project initiated by Tony Blair three years ago.

Muslim leaders believe Williams’ address will repair some of the damage done to relations by a critical lecture from Lord Carey, his predecessor. Earlier this year at a seminar in Rome, Carey accused Muslim societies of being authoritarian and committed to power and privilege. He also criticised Muslim leaders who failed to condemn suicide bombers unequivocally.

In a rare clash among the higher echelons of the two faiths, Muslim leaders rounded on Carey, accusing him of bigotry and religious prejudice. Carey seemed bemused by the reaction.

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