A member of the Islamic Research Academy, Dr. Muhammad al-Mukhtār al-Mahdī, said that Azhar Grand Shaykh Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyib, received a phone call from the church requesting that he postpone the Academy’s meeting to discuss Bishop Bīshūy’s recent comments, but he refused to do so. Al-Mahdī denied claims of a phone call between al-Tayyib and Pope Shenouda III discussing the matter. He also said that he disapproves of the church’s refusal to be supervised and controlled by state authorities.

Key Words: Islamic Research Academy - Dr. Muhammad al-Mukhtār al-Mahdī – Azhar - Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyib - Bishop Bīshūy - Pope Shenouda III