Coptic Orthodox Church on the “Youth Revolution” in Egypt

Coptic Orthodox Church on the “Youth Revolution” in Egypt

The Coptic Orthodox Church issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the revolution in Egypt.  For the full text of the statement, click here.

Following are two news stories from Egyptian papers:

from al-Ahram:

Pope Shenouda III, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, praised the youth of the 25 January Egyptian revolution that “shed their blood for the country” in a statement on Tuesday

The statement praises the youth that have been honoured by the country’s military and its people and offered condolences to the families of the young who lost their lives.

The military and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces were also praised for protecting the country and deciding to dissolve the parliament and Shura council.  

The Church supports a civil democratic Egyptian state with free and fair elections, the statement said.

Egyptian state television had aired footage of Pope Shenouda III, Patriarch of the Coptic Church, announcing his support for President Hosni Mubarak and asking the protesters to end their protests. Shenouda, appointed by Mubarak, has a long history of supporting Mubarak and his regime.

 from al-Masry al-Youm:

The Egyptian Coptic Church on Tuesday hailed the youth-led 25 January revolution, offering condolences to the families of martyrs who lost their lives during the 18-day protests.

The popular, anti-regime protests led to the resignation of former President Hosni Mubarak on 11 February after nearly 30 years in power.

A statement by the church, following a meeting between Pope Shenouda III, head of the Coptic church, and his ecclesiastical council, also praised the military foundation and its efforts to “protect Egypt both internally and externally.” The statement said the church supported the army’s bid to dissolve the parliament and its call to restore safety to the country.

The same statement said the church believes Egypt is a civilian, democratic state that selects its parliamentary members through free and transparent elections that ensure representation for all sectors of society

The church also voiced support for people’s demands to confront poverty and corruption, to restore safety and social jusitice, and to prosecute violators and outlaws.

The church prays for the safety, stability, and prosperity of Egypt, said the statement.