Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

The author reviews an article published by al-Shurūq newspaper by Samīr Murqus, on June 21, titled “Confused Citizenship” on the idea whether Copts are a minority or not, and the remarriage verdict issued by a court in Egypt to allow divorced Copts to remarry.

 

The author focuses on two main points. The first is a religious one which says that the Church cannot implement verdicts that contradict with its teachings.

 

The second point asserts that the state has the right to organize its citizens’ personal status according to its vision. Therefore the Church has to abide by the state law and its verdicts.

 

Thousands of Copts called for ending the controversy raised recently after Pope Shenouda III rejected a court ruling that obliged the Church to issue second marriage licenses to divorced Copts.

 

Pope Shenouda had previously announced that the Church would not implement the court order, which he considered a violation of the teachings of the Holy Bible and an intervention on religious freedom.

 

The author wonders if Copts are with citizenship or with the Church. He replies that Church applies the famous saying of Christ “Pay what is Caesar's to Caesar, and what is God's to God”, which underlines that Copt’s religious affairs remain inside the Church and his life outside the Church belongs to the state.

 

“The modernization of Egypt has not started yet and the separation between the Church and the state is a big illusion,” he concluded.