Egypt’s Orthodox Church defends police, army

World Bulletin/News Desk – 18/8/13

Egypt’s Orthodox Church reiterated its full support for police and army forces in their battle by emphasizing the threat of “militant groups and black terrorism”.

Egypt‘s Orthodox Church reiterated its full support for police and army forces in their battle against “militant groups and black terrorism”.

In a statement issued late Friday, the Church accused “terrorist groups of attacking state institutions and churches and terrorize Copts and Muslims in breach of all religions.”

The church voiced its gratitude to “sincere and friendly countries” which understand “the reality” of what is happening in Egypt.

“We vehemently condemn media misconceptions in Western countries and ask them to read the situation in Egypt objectively so as not to give an international or political cover for terrorist and bloody groups.”

Up to 25 churches have been targeted in attacks since Wednesday’s violent dispersal of two major camps set up by anti-coup protesters where thousands of people were killed by security forces. Interim Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawi on Thursday vowed that his government would deal decisively with attacks on Coptic churches.

Pro-democracy movements which urge for Mohamed Morsi’s reinstatement as president do not claim the attacks on churches.

Al-Azhar, the highest seat of religious learning the Muslim Sunni world, condemned the attacks dismissing them as “religiously forbidden” and as only smearing the image of Islam.

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