Controversy prevailed in religious circles in Egypt after statements regarding the enactment of a unified law regulating construction of houses of worship soon.
The law is to take the file of construction of mosques and churches from security bodies, particularly the interior ministry, to the local councils that may issue permits for construction and restoration of houses of worship in Egypt.
Bishop Mūsá of Youths said her totally rejects that the new law should include any item compelling the Coptic Orthodox Church to come under the financial control of state.
"The church's money comes from donations by Copts and consequently no state institution has the prerogative to monitor these funds," he said.
Muhammad Abū Fāris, a political and human rights activist, said the promulgation of the law without objective restrictions would cause everyone to be part of a hectic racing to build houses of worship.
"This racing might be the raison d'etre of future sectarian troubles between Muslims and Copts," said Abū Fāris, wondering "what if Copts wanted to build a million churches?"
