Pope Tawadros II called on all Coptic Christians to attend mass this Christmas, stressing that the anniversary of the attacks against Copts on this holiday should not prevent Copts from expressing joy during the festive season. Due to Egypt’s political turmoil and the recent approval of the country’s draft constitution, the Church expects an increase in societal tension. Eventually, the Church submitted a memorandum to the Presidency, urging it to consider the amendment of the following Constitutional Articles:

1. Remove Article 219

The two new provisions include Article 219, which widens the scope of Article 2 considerably beyond what the courts had previously decided.  “Principles of Islamic sharī’ah” now includes all the rules of jurisprudence and credible sources that are accepted in Sunnī doctrines, amongst other things.  What this means is that the entire body of Islamic jurisprudence (a complex body of law that goes back centuries) is now a source of inspiration for legislation.  The Constitution’s detractors immediately complained that this would force legislators to contemplate sources of law that are now centuries out of date. Many also expressed the concern that the criminal code would be brought in line with some of the more stringent forms of sharī’ah, which include corporal punishment.

2. Remove phrases from Article 4

Actual phrasing: ”Al-Azhar is an all-encompassing independent Islamic institution, with exclusive autonomy over its own affairs, (responsible for preaching Islam, theology, and the Arabic language in Egypt and the world).”

Proposed phrasing:  […] responsible for spreading and developing Islamic sciences and protecting the medial Islamic stance and its tolerance in the world). And to amend the phrase: “Al-Azhar Senior Scholars are to be consulted in matters pertaining to Islamic law” into “Al-Azhar Senior Scholars are to be consulted in Islamic matters.”

The post of Al-Azhar Grand Shaykh is independent and cannot be dismissed. The method of appointing the Grand Shaykh from among members of the Senior Scholars is to be determined by law. The State shall ensure sufficient funds for Al-Azhar to achieve its objectives. All of the above is subject to law regulations.

3. Remove the second paragraph from Article 81

“The injured party shall have the right to lodge a direct criminal action.”

4. Remove Article 227

“Every position for which a limited term is stipulated in the Constitution or by law, whether a non-renewable or renewable once, is calculated from the date the position was assumed. The term of office shall also expire if the person in office reaches the retirement age as prescribed by law.”

and remove Article 230

“The existing Shūrá Council shall assume full legislative authority until the new House of Representatives is formed. Full legislative authority will then be transferred to the House of Representatives, until the election of a new Shūrá Council, which shall occur within six months from the start of the House of Representatives’ session.”

and Article 233

“The first Supreme Constitutional Court, once this Constitution is applied, shall be formed of its current President and the 10 longest-serving judges among its members. The remaining members shall return to the posts they occupied before joining the court.”

5. Remove the article on press:

The proposed Egyptian constitution would impose several new restrictions on press freedom, including the creation of a new government regulator and new governmental authority to shut media outlets, while doing nothing to halt the criminal prosecution of journalists.

The report further states that Egypt’s churches have invited all Copts to attend the Christmas celebrations as usual and Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic Church, has urged all Copts inside and outside Egypt to celebrate Christmas despite a sometimes tense political atmosphere. He asked the clergy of all churches to celebrate together in order to express Christian joy and strongly encouraged all Copts to attend church on Christmas Eve.

This Christmas, enhanced security measures have been put in place at churches in Egypt, including the installation of additional security barricades and special guards, as well as surveillance cameras and X-ray machines.

The source said that all Christian churches had a variety of programs planned to celebrate Christmas, including giving children gifts. Many Coptic families have said they will celebrate Christmas in Egypt no matter the circumstances because they believe that festivities in Egypt have a special flavor. Pope Tawadros’ decision to celebrate the occasion has added to their enthusiasm.

George Al-Qomos, an engineering student, said that “political tensions will not affect my family’s celebrations of Christmas or New Year. It comes once a year, and everyone wants to go to church on this glorious day. We are confident that this will be a day of joy and ask the Lord to give Egypt peace and love and protect it against subversive currents.”

Barbara Al-Qomos Maqār said that “political and other events do not affect the Church and its celebrations because the Church’s festivities are spiritual and include prayers and mass. Celebrating the birth of Christ must take place no matter what. It cannot be cancelled.”

Vivian Fakhri, an employee in a private-sector company, said that she was overjoyed to be able to celebrate Christmas with her friends and family. Fakhri said that the political events would not affect her celebration of Christmas and the New Year (Michael Ādel, Rose al-Yūsuf, Jan. 5, p. 13).  Read original text in Arabic.