Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

News has leaked from the papal residence about Pope Shenouda’s alleged intention to try a number of priests and bishops, including his secretary Bishop Armia. The alleged trials are meant to lead reform from within the church, after internal troubles have increased, and after the Protestant “promulgation inside the Coptic Orthodox Church.”

Najīb Jibrā’īl, head of the Egyptian Union for Human Rights Organizations stated that he had contacted the papal residence to inquire about the real situation of Father Makārī Yūnān, following news about a trial in the near future, especially after Bishop Bīshūy accused him of adopting Protestant thoughts and promoting Protestantism.

Jibrā’īl asked Bishop Yu’annis, the pope’s private secretary and the General Bishop Maximus about the issue but both denied the news.

Jibrā’īl ascribed the attacks against Makārī to some people’s intentions to create problems between the church leadership and a number of clergymen who have remarkable achievements like Father Makārī Yūnān.

On his part, Father Makārī Yūnān asserted that he did not care about the accusations and that Pope Shenouda’s statements in his favor were enough to refute all other arguments.