Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Yesterday the Holy Synod issued an official statement recognizing the apparition of the Virgin in al-Warrāq. The synod also endorsed a decision for the establishment of a higher committee for media in the Church that will undertake management of satellite channels.

 

It is expected that the committee will be headed by Anba Marqus, Bishop of Shubrā al-Khaymah.

 

The synod also approved a decision banning the circulation of the book 'Aqwāl Mudi'ah li Abā’ al-Kanīsah' (Luminous sayings of Church Fathers) because it promotes the deification of humans, which is a point of disagreement between Pope Shenouda and a number of researchers in theology, the most prominent among whom is Dr. George Habīb Bibāwī.

 

The gathering demanded that female choral groups abstain from wearing white uniforms similar to those worn by deacons. It also emphasized the need for monks inside and outside Egypt to return to their monasteries immediately unless they have written permission from Pope Shenouda.

 

The Pope's decision to withdraw from the World Council of Churches was also discussed, and the synod said the decision will not be changed.

 

On another tack, the U.S. Coptic Association, headed by expatriate activist Michael Mūnir, has denounced what occurred during the recent al-Ahlī and Zamālik game (Reviewer: this is a major football match between Egypt's two leading clubs), when Al-Ahlī fans raised signs bearing the cross, so as to portray Zamālik as a foreign club pertaining to England. The implication, the association said, was that Christians and their cross were traitors and a foreign presence in Egypt, something the association obviously rejects.

 

The association also rejected what it considers to be the silence of al-Ahlī club's board regarding such incidents, which harm national unity and increase divisions among the people. This is also an example of the negligence of officials in dealing with such sensitive matters, the association said, calling on the Egyptian Football Federation to adopt a public stance on the matter.