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THE COPTIC ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE, ALEXANDRIA
THE COPTIC ORTHODOX LAITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA
STATEMENT REGARDING THE SAD EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE BEFORE ST. GEORGE AND ST. ANTONY CHURCH ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14th, 2005
- Falsely alleged by The “Al Maydan” newspaper of the 6th and 10th October and reiterated by “Al Osboo” newspaper, St. George Church, Muharram Bik, has been accused of putting up a stage production offensive to the Islam religion and the Koran; thus inciting sectarian sedition during the month of Ramadan when we are gathered around Ramadan banquets experiencing peace and harmony. Such newspapers are not being faithful neither to the state nor to the nation.
- The church has verified that in contribution to the campaign launched against terrorism,this play was performed within the church premises, for one day only, two years ago. It was not attended by any Moslem, nor was it met with no opposition then. To arouse an upheaval at the present is to look for a reason to break up the national unity which the Christians have been careful to preserve in spite of all the derision and scorn directed by the Mass Media against their faith and dogma.
- Why are such news agencies allowed to go unpunished while the Christians are held guilty for having put up a stage play two years ago; and which was not viewed by our brothers, the Moslems. These are just mere rumors that the play minimize and belittle Islam. The Coptic Orthodox Church is very keen on offering love and respect to members of all other religions.
- Why would thousands of Moslems gather in front of St. George Church banging on the doors violently causing terror and fear among the Christian youth present inside the Church? How far safe would these youngsters feel in their beloved country, Egypt?
- We believe that such violent acts must have been aroused on the occasion of the coming Parliament elections. This is because the Church has had a positive stand during the previous presidential elections.
- We dread that what had happened might be the onset of a conspiracy to cause sectarian sedition, the extent of which could not be fathomed. We pray to the Almighty to protect our beloved country Egypt and preserve it in peace and safety under the leadership of our beloved President Hosnee Mubarrak; for “Egypt is not a country we live in, but a homeland that lives in us.”
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