Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Mahrūs proposes the issue of the church’s political role and stance to a number of clergymen and concerned observers. The visit of Muhammad al-Barādi‘ī to the Cathedral on Easter Eve is still reflecting in the media as an example of the church’s political involvement.

 

Father Salīb Mattá Sāwīris, member of the Community Council of the Coptic Orthodox Church stated that the Coptic Orthodox Church cordially and friendly receives all guests who come to offer their greetings on Easter. Father Sāwīris asserted that he would not receive in the church somebody who comes as a politician, and that the politicians who are received in the church are received as individuals. However, he stated that the matter is not the same with the nominees to the Parliament because they emerge from the public.

 

For his part, Father Athanasius Rizq, pastor of the Saint Virgin and Saint Athanasius Church in the city of 15^th of May, Helwan governorate, confirmed Father Sawīris’ argument about the cordial hospitality of the church regardless of any goals behind it. He stated that the church received Dr. Muhammad al-Barādi‘ī as a prominent international figure.

 

Coptic businessman ‘Īd Labīb expressed his rejection of the idea of using the church for political aims, asserting his respect for Dr. Muhamad al-Barādi‘ī. Labīb stated that the church is a spiritual organization and has no relation with politics, advising al-Barādi‘ī and Ayman Nūr to stay away from the church in their electoral campaigns.

 

Engineer Iskandar Shalabī used Labīb’s same argument, asserting the necessity in separating between religion and politics.

 

Activist Mamdūh Ramzī stressed his refusdal to let the church become a domain for political rounds, noting that al-Barādi‘ī is “rejected by Copts for his alliance with the Muslim Brotherhood;” as such Ramzī believes that “al-Barādi‘ī is completely out of the Coptic running concerning the presidency because he encourages without realizing it, the religiousness of the State,” a matter that is rejected by Copts because they adhere to the Constitution and its verdicts that are clear about the civil nature of the state. Ramzī also noted that the Church’s role in society is social and spiritual and it should not be involved in political issues.

 

MP Ibtisām Habīb greeted Coptic Orthodox clergymen for their awareness and resistance to get involved in political promotions.

 

Other figures like publisher Wajīh Shafīq and Nājī William also rejected using the church in political promotion.