Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Headed by Pope Shenouda, Patriarch of Alexandria and the See of St. Mark, the Holy Synod held a meeting on Saturday, June 18, 2006. In attendance were all the metropolitans in Egypt and some of metropolitans from countries such as France, the United States, England, Australia, Italy, Germany and Sudan. During the meeting, they discussed different issues. The most important issue dealt with was the whole hearted support of the Egyptian President, Muhammad Hosnī Mubārak in his coming presidential elections. Afterwards, Kamāl expects that another similar meeting for the Holy Synod will be held to support the nominee of the National Democratic Party in the coming elections.

 

Professor Nabīl Lūqa Bibāwī justifies this in his article entitled "Pope Shenouda will vote for the National Democratic Party" published in Akhbar al-Yawn. He said that the achievements of the National Democratic Party in solving the different problems of the Copts in Egypt are undeniable. Bibāwī also added that most Copts in Egypt will support and vote for the nominees of the National Democratic Party, either in the Presidential election, or the Peoples Assembly, or the Shūrá Council, because they all believe that it is the most stable political party.

 

Finally, sKamāl emphasizes that such an article is but an announcement that the Church interferes in politics, although it emphasizes that the Church has never before witnessed any interference in politics or support for any political party or leader.