Bishāy is pleased not only with the appointment of Jamāl As‘ad to parliament, but especially with his statement that he does not represent the Copts politically, but instead will be "an MP for all Egyptians."
He expresses support for As‘ad's assertion that Copts should not run in elections on the basis of being Copts, but as politicians with a political, rather than religious, program.
After referring to the need for citizenship, Bishāy says that "there are many obstacles that abort Coptic political participation in Egypt, such as the sectarian climate, religion-imbued political movements, and an incorrect understanding of genuine citizenship.
"Activation of citizenship comes essentially from challenging such a climate, and this could be achieved gradually by emphasizing that the role of religious leaders is spiritual. There should be encouragement of the presence of a Coptic civil elite that actively participates in national action on the basis of a national background," says Bishāy.
